Can You Feel The Love Tonight?
Luke 2:1-20
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Our Christmas Eve service can be viewed on our Facebook page @Sunday, December 24, 2023
NewDay Friends,
We celebrate the 4th Sunday of Advent, and Christmas, together this Sunday. The 4th candle of Advent is the Love Candle. The White Candle we also will light is the Christ Candle.
Speaking of love...the most basic thing we as human beings need, is to be loved, feel love and know we are loved. This is how God designed us, and is a legitimate need.
The love of God is made manifest to us in His gift of Himself to us through His Son Jesus, and each Christmas season we are reminded of this, when we say, "Merry Christmas." I don't know that the word 'Merry' is quite adequate for the amazing grace, love and forgiveness God gave to us in Jesus, but it does convey joy, delight, and cheer. The irony is that this time of year, so many people struggle with depression, a lack of joy, and difficulties with family, and life circumstances that seem to catch up. Maybe this is you? I know it's me.
And, I feel extra thankful that I have experienced the love of God (and continue to experience His love), and know that His love defines me, keeps me, and surrounds me. I realize if I didn't, I would seek out love and security in many other ways, and this time of year would leave me feeling hopeless. Is this you too?
So, this time of year, we get to remind ourselves of the Christmas story, and God's love for us is so deep and wide that He sent His one and only Son for us. I pray that focusing on this, and being reminded of this will give you delight, cheer and joy, that will sum up to the greeting and truth of, "Merry Christmas!"
We celebrate Christmas Eve on Sunday, 3:00 pm at the Cabin. We will not have a Sunday morning worship service. Would you prayerfully invite someone whom God places on your heart that needs the love of God, and the love of others?
See you on Christmas Eve!
In Christ,
Pastor Kari