That precious gift
The Rev. Richard Odum - First Baptist Church of Lebo
Friday, December 19, 2008
“Twas the night befor
Christmas,” begins Clement Clark Moore’s poem written in 1823. Perhaps nothing ever written has so influenced our secular view of Christmas. But we want to think of this “holy night” in spiritual terms, as we look at this very first Christmas.
Sometimes we fail to consider the human side of the Christmas story. The star that led the wise men brought them first to the city of Jerusalem. It’s not surprising that these learned men went through official channels in their search for the Messiah. They questioned Herod, the governor of Judea, as to the whereabouts of this new King. He had to consult the chief priests and scribes to learn that the ancient scrolls had prophesied Bethlehem, a small village just five miles from Jerusalem, as the place where Christ, the Messiah would be born. I can imagine as these men entered this town of prophecy, they probably stopped someone and inquired where the King might be found. To their surprise, not one person who lived in that town knew that the Son of God was in their midst.
In the weeks to come, all around the world, many will celebrate this holiday season in some form or fashion, many of them not understanding that the Son of God is in their midst.
What is the Christmas story to you? What is in the heart of it all? Let me ask you, what is the most memorable Christmas that comes to your mind? As a child, what was the best gift you ever received? Was it a certain baby doll or maybe a brand new bicycle or a wagon, or favorite game? For you adults, was it something sparkly that went on your finger? Maybe it was in the driveway, with a big bow on the windshield. There are some of you older folks that remember when families weren’t as financially blessed as they are today, and it was a treat to get an apple, a couple of oranges or maybe some walnuts or pecans. Others of us would say the best Christmas was when family was together in the same house. How easy it is in the day we live to miss the story of Christmas. All the collected memories, the celebrating, the feasting, our most precious and favorite gifts cannot compare to the gift that laid in a manger on that Christmas morn.
Christmas is all about Jesus, God’s gift. The gift that God gave to each of us is beyond what we could ever comprehend.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His Son that we would not perish but have everlasting life.”
F “Sunday Sermon” is a forum for Emporia area ministers to share their sermons, thoughts and observations. This week’s author is the Rev. Richard Odum of the First Baptist Church of Lebo.
madpoet (anonymous) says...
I can tell you the most memorable Christmas for me in recent years. A good friend's husband walked out on her and their 8 year old son in October. Right before Christmas she was at our home in tears. She was heartbroken she couldn't give her son a very good Christmas that year. We had another couple over visiting (we were all friends) and the five of us went to Walmart late at night and bought gifts for our friend's son. We distracted our friend and slipped some stuff for her in the cart while she wasn't looking. We took it home and wrapped it at my house. The relief and gratitude on our friend's face was worth it all. That was the true meaning of Christmas, we thought, sharing what we had with those in need and showing love and compassion for one another.
December 20, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )