Finding joy in the Christmas story

Kim & Gene Sherman

Christmas 2015 has arrived and I hope for you and your family, you will have the opportunity to take a deep breath and relax amid the frenetic pace of the season. Like every year, this Christmas season will be filled with joy and much activity. Cookies are baked, cards sent, school concerts are performed, and presents of all shapes and sizes will be exchanged. We all have been on the lookout since Thanksgiving for the perfect gift, the one that will bring great delight to our loved ones.

And as always, you know the story of what Christmas is all about. You know the characters, you know the plot and you know the climax. I know that you know all of that, but I would ask you to stop for a moment and reflect with me. It’s the Christmas story – Christ’s mass story. You’ve made this journey, what – 15, 25, 45, maybe 90 times! Is this story nothing more than a Christmas Day yawn for you? Or, are you amazed all over again?

Has familiarity bred contempt this Christmas? Or does your face light up like a Christmas tree when you hear of the star lighting up the Bethlehem night sky? Have you let the miraculous become mundane, or do you still marvel at the shepherds running to Bethlehem to see the babe lying in a manger?

It’s Christmas! I invite you to join us on Christmas Eve at Christ Church Westshore in Bay Middle School, at 4 p.m. for a family service with Communion or at 7 p.m. for lessons and carols with Communion, and run to the Savior born in Bethlehem – because it’s true! And because the narrative is true – we have hope for today and the future!

Merry Christmas,

Rector Gene Sherman, Christ Church Westshore