AM Psalm 2, 85; PM Psalm 110:1-5(6-7), 132
Micah 4:1-5,5:2-4; 1 John 4:7-16; John 3:31-36

A Merry Christmas to you all!

As the presents are unwrapped and our living rooms become a sea of wrapping paper, discarded bows, and cellophane, let me remind you: the best present is not one that in unwrapped – Jesus Christ, the Word became Flesh, God with us.

Each year, there is one aspect of Christmas that troubles me.  Just as Christmas arrives, the world seems intent on throwing Him away and moving on to the world’s next warped sacred-turned-profane celebration.

Don’t throw away Jesus!  We Christians are just getting started.  Today is the first day of Christmas – the 1st of 12 – twelve days to revel in the splendor and joy of the Christmas season.

The consumer world in which we live has already cast Jesus aside for Valentine’s Day (yes, all the stores are already set up for Valentine’s Day.  A walk through the candy aisle yesterday yielded no Christmas-themed candy I was looking for, as both sides were stock full of Valentine’s Day boxes).  Don’t fall for it!  Don’t throw Jesus away.

We will need at least 12 days to comprehend what just happened.  The mystery of God among us will take some getting used to.  We might even need the Epiphany Season, nearly the whole month of January, to figure out what it means to spread the light of God and share in the joy at the manger.

So keep that tree up.  Keep those outdoor lights on!  We have many more Christmas celebrations ahead.  The presents continue to be unwrapped.

As you throw away that used wrapping paper, be sure to separate out the real reason for the season.

Merry Christmas to you!  And again.  And again.

-Matt