When I was growing up, my Mother’s favorite saying this time of year was, “Christmas is a time of secrets.” I would catch her and my Dad in a quiet conversation. “Whatcha talking about?” I would ask. “Christmas is a time of secrets!” she would reply. I would discover a mysterious box – possibly hidden. “Leave that alone!” “Why?” “Christmas is a time of secrets!” Almost every question was met with, “Christmas is a time of secrets!”
With our girls, DaLee and I updated that just a bit. “What are you guys talking about?” one would ask. “Nunya,” we would reply. That’s short for nunya business. “What was in that box the mailman brought?” “Nunya!” “What’s in those bags in the trunk?” “Nunya!” Now that they’re older, we simply announce, “We’re going out for some nunya errands” and they know better than to ask questions.
The good news of Jesus is completely different. For generations prophets had told about the coming Messiah. Gabriel told Mary and Joseph about Jesus’ coming birth. An angel, followed by a whole sky full of angels told the shepherds that Jesus had been born. A super special star caught the attention of foreign dignitaries. It intrigued them so much they travelled to a distant country to see the long-prophesied king.
When the shepherds left the baby Jesus, they told everyone they encountered about the newborn king. No doubt the wise men told many people the incredible story of their trip to find the infant king. As we celebrate Jesus’ human birthday, let us too be reminded that our commission is to tell everyone we meet about this King. He is no longer a baby and He no longer wears human flesh but He is still a king. In fact, He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He is the Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace. And He is still Emmanuel, God with us. Let’s celebrate Christmas by sharing the good news of Jesus!
Kudos to the choir for the great job they did on the cantata! It was a blessing. Thanks to Benjamin for sharing his wonderful musical talents. Thanks too to Zac for narrating, Leland for running the sound, and Tonya for our great programs. As always, it’s a blessing to work with you.
Thank you, too, church for the Christmas gift. It is a blessing to serve you too!
Until our next togethering,
love ya,
Bret
