Sermon: Dec 18, 2022
Reading: Matthew 1:18-25
Our culture and society have morphed Christmas into a consumer-driven event full of unrealistic expectations about creating the “perfect Christmas” with the “perfect meal” and the “perfect gifts.” And anything less than that is a failure.
Don’t get me wrong, I like sharing gifts and a meal as much as the next person. And there is nothing wrong with expressing love in that way. But pursuing this worldly vision of the “perfect Christmas” can be unhealthy and stressful. It’s actually a distraction from the reminder that we have already been given the “perfect Christmas.”
Advent and the upcoming Christmas season were never meant to cause stress or heartache. It is intended for us to prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ by slowing down, taking a breath, and reflecting on the significance of God merging the divine with humanity. To reflect on God’s deep desire to be in relationship with his creation and how it is fulfilled as God comes to us through the remarkable birth of Jesus Christ. And because God chose to be with us, humanity is restored to wholeness and is offered salvation. Immanuel, God is with us through Jesus, who offers us salvation.
Are you ready for Christmas? Many of us get so caught up in preparing for the social event of Christmas that we neglect to take just as much time preparing our hearts and minds for the perfect Christmas that God has prepared for us. That is the purpose of Advent, to prepare and open ourselves to the incredible saving action God has taken on our behalf. To prepare ourselves for the remembrance of Christ who came into the world, Christ who is in the world, and Christ who will return.
Today’s gospel passage reminds us that God demonstrates a love that passes all understanding by sending Jesus, who is salvation. And reminding us of Immanuel, that God is always with us, no matter what is going on in our lives, no matter what is going on in the world, God. Is. With us. What more of a perfect Christmas could we receive? During Advent, we are to take time to prepare our hearts and minds for the significance of receiving Jesus, who is and was and is to come. So, are you ready for Christmas? Are you ready for the coming of Jesus Christ?
