December 21, 2020
Christmas Discombobulated – Luke 2:1-20
As we start the week of Christmas, I am reminded of the Christmases when I was a child. I was very fortunate to have grown up attending Helmar and participated in many children’s Christmas programs. It was always one of my favorite nights of the year, because it usually happened about a week before Christmas, and if my brother and I successfully performed our part in the program, we received our first presents of that Christmas. It also was a time when my grandparents and some family friends came back to our house for some Christmas cookies and other Norwegian treats. One of the programs that sticks out in my mind revolved around a song called “Christmas Discombobulated.” I do not remember the exact lyrics of the song anymore, but the point of the song was that Christmas has gone from the celebration of the birth of Jesus, to a celebration of shopping, and receiving gifts from our family and friends. As a child, I was probably as guilty of this transformation as anyone. Looking back, I was doing exactly what the song warned us about, I wanted to perform my part and get a present.
The Bible teaches us that Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem so that Jesus could be born in the city of David. Joseph and Mary could find no room in an inn, so they were forced to stay in a manager. Luke 2:1-7. The shepherds came to the manger after being told by angels that “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11 The shepherds went to visit Jesus and made known the saying the angels had taught them. Luke 2:12. The shepherds made known to the world what they had learned about Jesus, and went and worshiped him. Luke 2:15-17. As the shepherds made known what they were taught by the angels about Jesus, the people marveled. Luke 2:17-18. Mary pondered the teachings of Jesus in her heart. Luke 2:19. Imagine giving birth to the savior of humanity! As we celebrate Christmas this year, let us remember what we are really celebrating. Rather than making Christmas about receiving presents from our family and friends, let us celebrate the best gift we could ever receive, the gift of Jesus our savior. Jesus died on the cross as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. He was resurrected from the dead, to overcome sin and death, and he now judges us to decide if we deserve to spend eternity in heaven. Fortunately, Jesus is willing to forgive our sins, if we repent of them. He provides us far more mercy than we could ever deserve. The situation we deal with this Christmas is different than any other I have celebrated in my life. While we may not be able to gather with as many as friend and family as we would like, let us continue to remember what we are celebrating, and not discombobulate this Christmas. We can still celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior!
Mark Anderson