Farmville Enterprise December 26, 2018
Today we celebrate good news of great joy for all people. The Messiah has come. No one who has ever walked this earth has changed the course of human history so completely. Jesus of Nazareth, the dominant figure in Western Culture for almost 20 centuries, began his life in a rather unlikely way. Born of lowly parents while away from home and placed in a manger, his entrance to the world hardly seemed worthy of a king.
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’” (Luke 2:8-12)
Angels and shepherds welcomed Jesus. People were intrigued by what they heard about this baby. “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” (Luke 2:13-18)
As we continue to celebrate the astonishing truth of the Incarnation of God, please consider the ”Welcome to Our World” lyrics by Chris Rice.
“Tears are falling. Hearts are breaking. How we need to hear from God. You’ve been promised. We’ve been waiting. Welcome, Holy Child. Welcome, Holy Child.
Hope that you don’t mind our manger. How I wish we could have known. Long-awaited, Holy Stranger, make yourself at home. Please make yourself at home.
Bring your peace into our violence. Bid our hungry souls be filled. Word now breaking heaven’s silence, Welcome to our world. Welcome to our world.
Fragile finger sent to heal us. Tender brow prepared for thorn. Tiny heart whose blood will save us. Unto us is born. Unto us is born.
So wrap our injured flesh around you. Breathe our air and walk our sod. Rob our sin and make us holy. Perfect Son of God. Perfect Son of God. Welcome to our world.”
celiastone 