Second Advent: More Wonder


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On the second Sunday of Advent we light the “Love” candle.  We are re-reading the Biblical Nativity story so that it remains vivid, fresh and real in our minds and in our hearts.  So that “it” and only “it” becomes our theological view of the season.  We are entering into the Christmas season where it is so easy for everything around us to NOT be about the birth of Christ.  We see everything but biblical theology.  Christmas is the start of Jesus’ journey.  His birth, life, death, burial and resurrection.  It all starts here.  Watch TV and see movies and commercials about Christmas and what do you see?  Family, food, presents, decorations and happy times!  Which are great!  But that is not all there is.  There is the theological aspect of who Christ really is.  But we are inundated with all the “Glitter”.  So hopefully the wonder, the surprise and the glory of the truth that is in this event will rub off on us and once again cause you and me to be overwhelmed and amazed.  Amazed at the marvelous birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.      ~ Pastor NIk
 

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.