Christmas 2024

For an older man, I have a pretty good long-term memory, I guess. I can’t remember what I had for breakfast yesterday, but I have sharp, clear memories of my childhood - especially around Christmas. I was blessed to be born into a family with parents who were brand-new, vibrant followers of Jesus. We weren’t rich, but those years of prosperity and optimism in America meant we had enough. I remember eagerly tearing off the paper of many presents from those early Christmases. Lincoln logs (ok, it was the 50’s!) a sled (we lived in Minnesota) and toy planes, cars, and new clothes. I remember how they felt- even the smells of those Midwest Christmas years. But I also remember it being about Jesus, God’s Son, our Savior. I remember our whole family kneeling and praying, thanking God for our home, our faith, our church, our blessings.

I’m a pastor now, I find myself (like everybody else) battling all the busyness- the buying, giving, going, doing, etc.- which conspires to bury those early, simpler Christmases of family and focus on Jesus.

On this coming Christmas morning I want to remember and cherish that Christ is God’s ultimate gift to this world. And, I want my children and grandchildren to remember the amazing miracle God has done… “To us a son is given...and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

When we get to Heaven, I don’t know if we will remember earthly memories the way we do now- many memories are a mix of good and not-so-good times. But for now, before you find yourself standing in a sea of torn Christmas wrappings and everyone is announcing, ‘Look what I got!,’ make sure you take time to remember- and reflect- on what’s most important to remember at Christmas- ‘Immanuel, God is with us,’ Jesus Christ, God’s Ultimate Gift! And ponder this: maybe we’ll celebrate Christmas in Heaven, too! Go around the room and ask each person what they think THAT could be like!

Merry Christmas,

Pastor Mark Rathe