Our Stolen Christmas

The main emphasis in our Christmas celebration every year is that we have received something beautiful from God. This God, who is the Sovereign Creator, Sustainer and Lord of Life has taken the initiative to reveal His love for us. He has done this not in some abstract, general way, but in a very concrete, specific human way. He has revealed the fullness of His love through Jesus the Christ. We celebrate this event because God’s love for us in Jesus Christ is the source of our hope, our joy and our peace.

It was on a Sunday like this that an old farmer confronted the young preacher outside of Church to express his opinion of what seemed to be an endless sermon. “Young man,” he said, “I hope you won’t take offense from this, but out on the farm when we get through pumping, we let go of the handle.” This is the time of year when it becomes difficult for many preachers…