From the Pulpit...

Over the years, I have written several messages on how the first Christmas looked from the perspective of various people who were there: Joseph, Mary, Zacharias, Simeon, the wise men, and Herod. In this message, I am going to revisit the shepherds in more detail than I have before. Then I hope to consider Anna in another message, the angels, Elizabeth, and even John the Baptist. This message will hopefully build up your faith and not be merely an academic exercise. But that depends on your perspective on Christmas. We are like the shepherds. We recognize we are lowly in the eyes of the world, and yet greatly privileged to be given the Christmas news of a Rescuer who will save His people from their sins. Therefore, we make widely known what happened to everyone we can—and to our children and grandchildren as well. The fact that the angels visited and told us that the Messiah was born to be our Savior is tremendously important. It is news that is second to nothing. These are the Christmas tidings of great joy to all people!

Our Scripture reading was found in Matthew 2:1-23.