Pastor Craig - December 2016

 We need Christmas. I realize that this is not news to you as we are Christians and yes we need a Savior and yes we need Jesus Christ the Son of God to be that one who is in and around our very lives. But I think that there is another way that we need Christmas.

 Christmas FORCES us to stop and remember. For 2000 years, people have celebrated the birth of our Savior. Down through the centuries of plagues and wars, rebellions and peace, God's people have stopped their lives for one day, to reflect and to realize that there is someone greater then themselves. Peasants and Kings both kneel and say a prayer to the one who was born. Christian Churches while different in policy and organizations come together and on that one night join in singing the familiar carols of Christmas. Even Viking fans and Packer fans lay down their rivalry at the foot of the manger.

 Christmas helps us to remember when we were kids. Getting that new sled, or trying to stay awake at the Christmas Eve service dressed in your tie as the heat of the candles caused the temperature in the church to become REALLY comfortable. It helps us to remember the joy of watching your child smile when they model the new pajamas that Grandma has sewed. But, I believe Christmas serves that other more currant purpose.

 Christmas helps us to remain grounded. It is a benchmark in our year and in our lives. How often have you said, I can't believe it is almost Christmas time! We can rush through our lives and get caught up in the day to day struggles and joys so that we lose track of who we are and what is important and how quickly time passes. Christmas forces us to STOP and yes breathe in the breath that God created that brings us life.

 Christmas reminds us that no matter what, God has been and will be with us. Christmas has and will stand the test of time. Christmas traditions will come and go, but the celebrating of the true message of Christmas will go on because we need it to.

 Merry Christmas and however you celebrate it, remember for a moment of time the world pauses and joins hands and kneels at the manger of our Lord and Savior.

Pastor Craig

Contact Pastor Craig at: prcraig@yahoo.com