There is a lot going on in the world right now. As Christians, we see events unfolding and our hearts are heavy. We see war, terrorist attacks, a horrific rise in Anti-Semitism globally, and, here, and we see a world that has grown rather angry, bitter, cynical, with so many people being isolated from each other and fearful of the future.

And yet, this is the Christmas Season. Christmas is almost here. Christmas is that glorious time in which we Christians praise and thank God for the incredible gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, who is that babe in the manger, born of a virgin, who came to redeem those under the law (us) so that we could be reconciled to our Father. Jesus came to die for our sins so we could be forgiven. Jesus is 'Immanuel...God with us!' God with us. Think on that.

And, as you think on that, consider that God the Son left the glories of heaven and took on flesh, fully God, fully human, to willingly lay down His life as a substitutionary sacrifice for sinners like you and me. Apart from God's gracious gift, we would have no hope. 

God's Word also tells us that Jesus came to overthrow the works of Satan. Jesus' death, burial and resurrection disarmed the powers and principalities. Satan is defeated. Yes he still rages, but his days are numbered, and he knows it. The day is coming when Christ will come again, and this time as The Conquering King, as Judge, and evil, and Satan and his demons will be ultimately and eternally judged. Evil does not win.

The challenge for Christians, not only during Christmas (though our senses should be especially sharp now), but throughout our lives, is to celebrate all that God has done for us in Jesus Christ, rejoicing in the salvation and reconciliation we have in Him, rejoicing in the heavenly inheritance we have because of Him. These are things we should focus our attention on, not on the dark things of the world. No, I am not saying we ignore those things. The things happening in our world should move us to pray, to shine the light of Jesus Christ into this dark world, and to tell the Good News of Jesus Christ! 'Joy to the World, the Lord has Come!' 

It should lead us to invite all people to 'Receive Their King.' 

Christmas is a time of great joy and Hope and we must not lose sight of that in changing and challenging times. Rejoice, Christians! The King has come! The Light of the World has entered into our darkness to show us the Way, the Truth and the Life, the Only Way to the Father! The darkness cannot and does not overcome the Light!

I pray this day that each of us would quiet our busy and noisy minds and souls and praise and thank God for the remarkable gift of Jesus Christ! Joy to the World!

Grace to You,

Pastor