A Christmas Affirmation
from worship at Highland Baptist Church, Louisville, KY
We believe that Christmas is more than a time for parties and ornaments; it is a time for remembering Christ and the coming of God's love in human flesh.
We believe there are gifts more important than the ones under the Christmas tree: the things we teach our children, the way we share ourselves with friends, and the work with which we set about reshaping the world in our time in the power of Jesus Christ.
We believe that the finest carols are often sung by the poorest voices, by hearts made warm by the wonder of the season.
We believe in the angel's message that we should not be afraid-that the child of Bethlehem is able to overcome all anxieties and insecurities.
We believe in prayer and quietness as a way of making Christmas relevant, that if we wait in silence, we will experience the presence of the One born in the stable, for Christ lives today as surely as He lived then.
We believe in going away from Christmas as the Wise Men went "another way." We want to be different when these days are past - more centered, more thoughtful, more caring, more Christ-like. And we ask for God to help us. Amen.
Although I have only once or twice been able to worship at my "home church" on Christmas Eve, I always look forward to that time of quiet with my family. Last night we set out, four instead of three this year, to a new church, in the snow, not knowing exactly what to expect. But I felt my heart soften as it always does. I felt tears prick my eyes as we all, as a congregation, lifted our lit candles, the Light of Christ, and sang these words,
"Silent night, holy night! Son of God, Love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth...Jesus, Lord at Thy birth."
May today dawn full of redeeming grace for you, and may your day be filled with family, food, and presents, as it seems mine will be.
Peace of Christ.
