December 11, An Unlikely Gift  “Where’s the Baby Jesus” by Pastor G. Freeman

Matthew 2:1-8
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to
Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

“But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among
the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.”

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child.
     As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

Theme:
Advent is a time of preparing ourselves spiritually for the birth/rebirth of Christ in our lives. All during this season of the year we see streets lined with beautiful lights, gorgeous wreaths hanging on doors, homes adorned with Christmas trees surrounded with gifts to be opened, parties to be attended…..but where is baby Jesus in it all.” Where do we find him?

Illustration:
Every year my mind and heart travel back to those early Christmas’ when my father would sit in his chair next to the fireplace and the family Christmas tree; mother perched on her bench at the piano and us five kids would be sitting randomly on the living room floor. Mom would let each of us pick our favorite Christmas
carol and together we would sing with gusto..seven different carols. (Mom and Dad included).
When the singing was over, Dad would open his Bible to Luke 2 and read the Birth Narrative, reminding all of us that Jesus birth in Bethlehem was at the very heart of our Christmas. After his reading from the
Gospel of Luke, we all went into the dining room where Mom would present her annual Baby Jesus Birthday cake with one candle in the center….it was always delicious, especially when it was topped with our favorite vanilla ice cream.
After our annual Christmas Eve dessert we all piled into the car to go to church. Christmas Eve Candlelight
Service has always been my favorite…..Our family always sat on the second row from the front. As the soloist would sing “O Holy Night” we would all go to the altar and kneel side by side to receive Holy Communion as a family. At the close of the service before the priest would give the benediction everyone in a beautiful tenor of reverence would sing, “Silent Night, Holy Night, wondrous star, lend thy light, with the angels let us sing, Alleluia to our King, Christ the Savior is Born, Christ the Savior is born!”

I am so thankful for rich family traditions that remind me over and over again about the incredible gift from God that began in that small out of the way town called Bethlehem of Judea. As you ponder your own special ways of preparing for Christmas, the question that begs for attention is, “Where is the Baby Jesus in it all? Where do you find Him? Where do you hope to find him this Christmas of 2024?” As he takes up
residence in you anew this year, may your life be blessed with goodness and grace!

Takeaway:
May the star that shown over the manger in Bethlehem, be the same light that guides your path this
Advent Season and fills you with mystery, wonder, peace and joy. Amen.

Prayer:
“O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!”
(O Little Town of Bethlehem)