Crossroads Church Of God

I heard from a friend today that their pastor made a statement in his sermon that went something like, “We celebrate Christmas because of sin.” Of course, I’ve always known that to be true, but I had never really heard it said that way before.

The reason Jesus came to this earth as a little baby was to save us from our sins. That’s what Christmas is all about. There are many good and fun things we may do in the context of Christmas…like helping the needy (our adopt-a-family), buying gifts for family and friends, getting together with loved ones…but the ultimate reason for the season is our sins.

I always look forward to our Live Nativity even though it requires a lot of work and preparation. I love to see the faces of the children as they listen to the story of Jesus’ birth and as they hope to have the opportunity to touch one of the live animals that are not much more than an arm’s length a way. I enjoy conversing with the adults and then inviting them in after they have watched one of the presentations.

But more than all of that, I look forward to being a vessel, used by God, to remind our community (and ourselves), that Christmas is about our sins. The church is not always the most perfect vessel, but it is the vessel (saved from our sins) God has chosen to reach out to the world with the message of Christ.

My hope and prayer is that each of us is moved once again by the true meaning of Christmas…that we take the opportunity to share that meaning with those we come in contact with during this season.

If you have chosen to participate in this year’s nativity, please pray that the story of Jesus’ birth will touch you in a new and fresh way. And pray for those who come by 80^th and Capitol on December 22^nd and 23^rd.  Pray that all the traditions that have become a part of Christmas will pale in comparison to the true meaning…that we celebrate Christmas because of our sins.

With Love,

Pastor Bruce