A Word about the Word-
Veiled in flesh, the godhead see.
Hail the incarnate Deity.
It’s profound. It’s mysterious. It’s basic. It’s mind boggling.
Christmas is the celebration of the Eternal, Creator God disrobing of his majestic glory and setting aside his kingly crown to don a pair of grungy Carhartt overalls and an old ball cap.
Close to Home
‘Twas the night before Christmas…
…and Trinity family and friends journeyed their way to 9225 Johnnycake Ridge Road to celebrate Christmas Eve services. From our cars (or nearby them), we will enjoy the fellowship and carol-sing and message in a joy-filled casual manner at 3:30 and 6:30pm. And shortly before the stroke of midnight, at 11:15pm, we will experience the candlelit wonder of ushering in Christmas morning.
The World as It Is
Long lay the world in sin and error pining…
Two lyrics from the cobwebs of my mind: “Still they begin, needles and pins” (The Searchers). “I’ve seen the needle and the damage done” (Neil Young).
So, the CDC has now unanimously endorsed the Moderna vaccine. They will distribute 5.9 million doses this Christmas week on top of Pfizer’s previously scheduled 2 million doses. Here we go.
To no one’s surprise, there have been those who have been warning of the vaccination’s dangers due to five people who had apparent allergic reactions. Everyone from the CDC to the FDA to the AMA (that looks like alphabet soup) have unequivocally pronounced the vaccines safe.
Sue and I plan to get the shot as soon as it is available. Some months ago, we joined many other Christian leaders in signing a statement in order to stand with public health experts and support scientists doing crucial biomedical research on COVID-19. You can read the full statement here.
We’ve all heard that those who are older and overweight are at higher risk for COVID complications. So I got to thinking: Is Santa in danger? Dr. Fauci to the rescue. He assures us that Christmas present delivery will not be delayed as he made a trip to the North Pole and personally vaccinated Santa himself:
“I took a trip up there to the North Pole. I went there and I vaccinated Santa Claus myself. I measured his level of immunity, and he is good to go. He can come down the chimney. He can leave the presents, he can leave, and you have nothing to worry about. Santa Claus is good to go,” announced the good doctor. Boy, that’s a relief.
And Then There’s This…
Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?
On Monday, we said farewell to Sue’s father in a chilly, windswept graveside ceremony. Jim was a caring man, a real professional in his business and personal life. Everything had to be just right for him. He was a real detail man. And he was always on time—so it was quite fitting that his funeral started ten minutes early. If part of a man’s legacy is the character of his kids, Jim’s is quite strong. I am the fortunate partner of one of them. We’ll see you in heaven, Dad.
Quite a few years ago, my father was also ill at Christmastime and passed away shortly thereafter. In the back of one’s mind is the worry that Christmas will forever bear the shadow of the loss. But the Christmas message, like the funeral message, is that the darkness cannot overcome the light.
All these thoughts and memories of fathers has brought these lyrics to mind:
How deep the Father’s love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That he should give His only Son
To make a wretch his treasure
Love this version of this classic hymn (sort of Christmassy, right?).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z65YxhqY0_E
A Christmas Prayer
Fall on your knees…
Let the just rejoice,
for their justifier is born.
Let the sick and infirm rejoice,
For their savior is born.
Let the captives rejoice,
For their Redeemer is born.
Let slaves rejoice,
for their Master is born.
Let free men rejoice,
For their Liberator is born.
Let All Christians rejoice,
For Jesus Christ is born.
[St. Augustine (354–440)]
I’ll catch you on the other side.
