Mary's Dream

"Mary treasured all these words [of the Shepherds] and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)

“I had a strange dream, Joseph. I'm not sure, but I think it was about a birthday for our son. The people had been preparing for it for six weeks by decorating the house and buying new clothes. They'd gone shopping many times and bought elaborate gifts. It was peculiar, though, because the presents weren't for our Son. They were wrapped in beautiful paper and tied with lovely bows and stacked under trees. Yes, Joseph, a tree, right in their house -- with branches decorated and full of glowing balls and sparkling ornaments. And there was a figure on the top of the tree -- an angel I think.

Everyone was laughing and happy and all excited about the gifts, and they gave the gifts to each other, Joseph, not to our Son. I don't think they even knew Him. They never mentioned His name. Doesn't it seem odd for people to go to all that trouble to celebrate someone's birthday if they don't know Him? I had the strangest feeling that if our Son had gone to this celebration, He would have been intruding. Everything was so beautiful, Joseph, and everyone so happy, but it made me want to cry. How sad for Jesus -- not to be wanted at His own birthday party. I'm glad it was only a dream, though. How terrible, Joseph, if it had been real.”  [–by Lloyd D. Lance]

As we prepare for Christmas, I encourage us not to get so caught up in all the consumerism, partying, and family get togethers that we forget Jesus as the real “reason for the season”!

Instead, invite your friends and family to join you in participating in the special activities and services of our church that are designed to help us focus on the one who’s birth is the reason why we celebrate in the first place. 

Don’t forget our two services on Christmas Eve (4:30pm and 6:30pm), a brief service of scripture and music on at 9am on Christmas Day, and one service at 11am on New Year’s Day with the chance to celebrate Holy Communion and the reaffirmation of your baptism.

Whatever you choose to participate in, let it be some of the ways that you celebrate the true reason for the season.  And always remember that God loves you and do, too!