Sermon - Christmas Eve 2024 When time began again

 Sermon - Christmas Eve 2024 

When time began again

As we gather here tonight, on the eve of Christmas, our hearts are filled with anticipation and joy even if we are well beyond our childhood years.  We come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, a momentous event that forever changed the course of human history even if our history books have removed BC and AD to Common Era and before Common Era. There is nothing common about the birth of Jesus Christ. 

In the midst of a world often shrouded in darkness, the Christmas story shines like a beacon of hope.  In the quiet town of Bethlehem, a humble birth took place. It would be an event that would shake the foundations of the world. A child, born to a young virgin named Mary, sent to become the Savior of humankind. The Christmas event paints a vivid picture of this extraordinary event. Shepherds, tending their flocks by night, were visited by a heavenly host, heralding the birth of the Messiah. The angelic choir sings with full gusto, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will." 

This message of peace and goodwill is a timeless reminder of God's love for humanity in a time where there is so much anger – so much hatred – so much violence and mistrust.

The birth of Jesus Christ is a promise of God's unwavering and unconditional love for us. As Paul says in Romans - God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. In sending His Son, God demonstrated His desire to heal the brokenness between Himself and humanity. Jesus, the "Light of the world," came to break the darkness of sin and despair and to offer us hope, forgiveness, and eternal life. As we celebrate Christmas, let us reflect on the true meaning of this holy season. It is not merely about exchanging gifts and indulging in festive cheer. It is about remembering the birth of our Savior who came to redeem us from sin and death. It is about embracing the message of peace, love, and compassion that Jesus taught.

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, let us not lose sight of the true reason for the season. Let us take time to pause and reflect and connect with the deeper meaning of Christmas. Let us strive to live out the teachings of Jesus Christ in our daily lives. As we light the candles of our Advent wreaths – love, joy, hope and peace, let us remember that Jesus is the true Light of the world who embodies all those qualities and more. May His light shine brightly in our hearts, guiding us on our journey of faith. May we be a source of light and hope to others, sharing the love and peace of Christ with all we encounter.

In the words of the loved Christmas carol, "Silent Night, Holy Night," “Christ the saviour is born” - let us cherish the sacred moment of Christ's birth. 

May the peace and joy of Christmas fill our hearts and homes, and may we carry this spirit of love and hope throughout the coming year with all its challenges and uncertainties. A blessed Christmas to you all.