Pastor's Ponderings

There is something about royalty that commands attention, even among Americans who threw off the monarchy hundreds of years ago. This year’s birth and baptism of Prince William and Kate’s little Prince George had everyone talking and smiling about the little guy. Then, there is the royalty of Jesus that we as Christians acknowledge. But the truth is, every one of us is Royal if you stop and think about it. Every one of us is a child of the King. God has given each of us the precious gift of life and we belong to Him, especially through our baptism and the redeeming work of Christ Jesus on our behalf. That is what Jesus’ birth was all about: to bring you and me back into the Father’s family. Yes, we have stayed from God (some of us more than others, but all of us have found ourselves separated from God by sin.) The Good News is that Jesus came into the world to reclaim us for the Heavenly Father and to pay for the sin that separated us from God with His own life! You are now a child of the King because of Jesus!

Some people don’t like all the Christmas traditions that have developed over the years. I like them. I enjoy the decorations, the carols, the special foods and the festivities. I like sending and receiving the cards and messages from people I haven’t heard from since last year. I like making, buying and wrapping gifts for people since Jesus Himself isn’t here to be showered with presents. I like the reminders that God became human like us- even as a helpless baby! I like the special holiness of the Christmas Eve candlelight communion service, and all the Advent Worship things that make this season so special. But most of all, I appreciate what Jesus’ coming into this world has done for you and for me and for all of us who will accept His gift of Grace: He has made us the children of God that we were always meant to be!

May you have a blessed and wonderful Advent and Christmas season,

Pastor Jeff Symonds