Worship Service for December 29, 2024

Christmas is a magical and wondrous time for people. The thought, pageantry, and pomp surrounding the Christmas holiday never gets old. Then why is it that when the Christmas season is complete there seems to be great relief and, in some cases, even joy? Often, we get so caught up in all the preparation and celebration of the Christmas season that it becomes overwhelming and, in some cases, unsatisfying. We spend so much time cramming parties, celebrations, and social gatherings into our lives that the season flies right on by us. We lose track of what the real, true, and important gifts are in our lives. Instead, take time to sit—maybe in a big chair near the Christmas tree—and consider the best gift you received this year. This gift is like a beautiful gold watch, but not like the one you were given years ago, purchased from the shop of a real Swiss watchmaker in Switzerland… that was later stolen. It’s not like the gold watch you were given one Christmas past that eventually broke and couldn’t be repaired. This best gift ever is like the gold pocket watch you’ve now inherited from your grandfather; made with such classic care and precision that it will never wear out. It’s the gift you received this Christmas that will never cease to bless you, God’s chosen one, holy and beloved (Col 3:12).