After Christmas Season Message

Christmas happens so quickly. For some people it happens so quickly that they forget to enjoy it. The Christmas season celebrates the wonderful birth of our Lord and savior. It is an event to remember. Many, many years ago the only perfect sacrifice for our sins was born in a humble manger. He was the only perfect man to ever be born and the only man able to offer us forgiveness for our sins. It is important to remember among your big shopping list, decorating, and cooking that the real reason to celebrate the season is Jesus.

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Virtual Chapel Jan 10, 2006

Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

                                                                                            Isaiah 60:1

Christmas is over.  Driving down the road in my neighborhood, I see that the lights that were strung on houses and trees have been taken down and boxed up until next year.  The Christmas trees that were just a week ago decorated and nestled into our homes are now lying at the bottom of the driveway waiting to be taken away.  Taking down Christmas decorations is one the top things that I hate to do.  Everything just seems so empty when all the Christmas decorations have been boxed up and put away.  Christmas keeps us so busy with parties, friends and family, baking, shopping, etc. that we forget the real reason why we celebrate, the birth of Jesus Christ.  This birth marks the beginning of something big.  On Christmas day, Christ moved in with us.  God came to the world through his son Jesus Christ; this is our greatest Christmas gift. 

Twelve days after the baby is born in Bethlehem, the Church celebrates Epiphany.  You might not have heard the term “Epiphany” before, but I guarantee you have heard of the three wise men (magi); perhaps you dressed up as one in a Christmas play.  Matthew 21:1-12 tells us about their sincere and persistent search for the baby “born king of the Jews.”  Guided by a star, they find the baby king in Bethlehem.  With great joy, they worship him and give Jesus gifts suitable for a king (gold, frankincense and myrrh).  These magi are the first to see Jesus for who he really is a light in the darkness. 

Isaiah 60:1-6 speaks of God’s gift of light to the world.  The light of God pierces the darkness and those who see it are drawn to it and transformed by it.  The light of God allows us to see the world with new vision and clarity.  We that have seen the light are called to proclaim it to the world. 

Christ is born.  Our light has come.  Christmas is not the end, but the beginning of new life.  Christ has moved into this world, let him move into your heart and transform it.  May this new semester be filled with promises of hope and joy!

For more information

• Rev. Leigh Martin
  (770)720-5634 
  LSM@reinhardt.edu