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FROM PASTOR PAUL KRAMPITZ
Dear People of God,
Christians around the world celebrate the wonder and joy of Christmas. But what is Christmas all about? The gift of Christmas is known in theological terms as the “incarnation.” We celebrate the good news of God “in the flesh,” or Emmanuel, “God with us.”
As St. Luke tells us, it is an angel that announces this good news to shepherds who are tending their sheep. “I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people; to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Most of us are familiar with these words from Luke’s gospel. We hear them read each year in church by pastors and priests. We hear children recite these words during our annual Christmas pageants. Even those who don’t attend church may know these words from viewing that Christmas classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Linus, clutching his grungy blanket, quotes this passage from Luke to answer Charlie Brown’s question. “What is Christmas all about?”
I wonder if we focus so much on the angel, and the multitude of the heavenly host that soon join that angel in praising God, that we forget about the shepherds. Luke tells us that their first reaction to the appearance of the angel and the shining glory of the Lord is terror. But listen to the first words that the angel speaks. “Do not be afraid.”
As we celebrate Christmas this year, there is much that we might be fearful of. These are uncertain times economically. Peace on earth remains an elusive dream. But the gift of Christmas is that there is no longer need to be afraid of anything. As St. Paul reminds us, nothing in all of creation, not even the power of sin and death, can separate us from the love of God we know in Christ Jesus.
This Christmas, as we rejoice and greet our Savior, let this “good news of great joy” silence all our fears. May we live and sleep in the heavenly peace that comes from knowing God is with us, now and forever.
Wishing you a joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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