Christmas Eve - Text Matthew 1:21-23 – God with us in the manger

Christmas Eve – Text Matthew 1:21-23 – God with us in the manger

I went with our Parish Choir during the week to sing Christmas Carols at Martin Luther Homes, one of our nursing homes.

In the ward where we sang the Christmas Carols there were many suffering dementia who struggle to remember their family’s name or even what they had for lunch that day.

But as soon as the carols are sung they join in remembering their old favourite carols.

And that’s what I love about Christmas.

It may be the same story year after year.

It may be the same carols year after year.

It may be the same decorations and scenery year after year

But I believe we need that.

There is so much that happens in our lives and in the world throughout the year that creates uncertainty that it’s lovely to be brought back to the joyous occasion and traditions of Christmas and the story of Jesus’ birth that we know so well.

In the midst of all the turmoil in the world – the fighting in Syria – the humanitarian crisis in Aleppo – the terrorist attacks – the crime that seems to infest our society – the long standing traditions of Christmas remind us that God is with us in the most simplest of forms:

A baby born in a manger.

We are reminded by the Christmas story that Jesus was no stranger to the troubles of the world.

He faced rejection before he was even born when Mary and Joseph found there was no room available for them to stay.

Christmas is God’s message to us that he has not forgotten us.

And that’s sometimes the message that gets lost amid all the hustle and bustle as we scramble to get everything done for Christmas.

Sometimes Jesus is nowhere to be found amid our busyness.

Just as there was no room at the inn for Jesus, so too there is often no room for Jesus in our hectic lives.

Mary and Joseph were told that the child that was about to be born would be a special child and that he would be called “Emmanuel” which means “God is with us”.

When you’re going through difficult times or you think that you’re all alone in the struggles you’re going through, remember that Jesus is with you as promised.

In his short life time, just 33 years, Jesus will go through many difficult times himself.

The suffering, the pain, the grief of losing a loved one, the rejection by his own people and much more.

Jesus knows whatever your circumstances are.

So instead of feeling overwhelmed and hopeless about everything happening around us and in our lives – we look again into the manger and see the baby born for us.

That’s what the shepherds were told to do by the angels amid their fear:

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 Saviour 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.”

So they were not told to go and see a military base that will protect them from the enemy.

They were not told to go and have a look at their superannuation to relieve their fear of the future.

They were told to go and find the baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

And that’s where God sends you too – to the baby born in a manger.

It might seem simplistic – it might make you wonder how that can solve all your problems.

But it has for 2000 years and it will till the end of time.

When he was born Mary and Joseph were told, he will be called Emmanuel, which means God is with us.

When Jesus departed his final words were “I am with you always till the end of the age”.

The world has shown us that it cannot be with us always.

But Jesus has been with us and always will be and countless generations have testified to the help and comfort they have received from the baby born in a manger who was with them till their last breath.

It’s tempting to look elsewhere when the chips are down but Jesus will always be there even when we look elsewhere.

When there is no room for Jesus in our lives he is still with us when we are not with him.

Jesus has seen world wars, great depressions, kingdoms rise and collapse, natural disasters and he has helped countless people through them all and he is with you to help you.

So friends, keep going back to the manger to see the baby born for you and know that he is with you always till the very end of the age.

And a blessed Christmas to you all as you celebrate again the good news that brings great joy to all people – the baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.