The Heart of Christmas
Back in 1965 when Charles Schulz collaborated with Lee Mendelson to debut the animation classic A Charlie Brown Christmas,” it would go on to capture the hearts of people watching across America. Its place in the nation’s holiday hearth has remained fixed ever since and the impact will continue to be felt for generations to come. You can recall the iconic line delivered by Charlie Brown to the Peanuts gang, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” Linus responds, “Sure Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.” And then he proceeds to recite the gospel of Luke 2:8-4 referencing the birth of Christ.
Schulz had insisted that one core purpose of the special was sharing the true meaning of Christmas. Otherwise, Schulz said, “Why bother doing it?” When Mendelson asked Schulz whether he was sure he wanted to include Biblical text. The cartoonist's response, "If we don't do it, who will?" Other than John 3:16, it may be the most recognizable scripture ever shared with the masses. Perhaps, we need to once again re-visit that all too memorable question, “What is Christmas really all about?
Each year, the culture focuses on decorations, gifts under the tree, meals around the table, family spending time together and hopes of winter weather. All these certainly play a part in the most wonderful time of year, but there is something else that is at the heart of the Christmas. The Bible tells us that the real reason to celebrate is the saving grace offered to us through the birth, life and death of God’s son, Jesus. Join us for a five week sermon advent series entitled, “The Heart of Christmas.” Much like Linus and the Peanuts gang, this series will be centered in the story of Christ’s birth. From the prophetic promise of His coming to His miraculous arrival, the themes of hope, peace, joy and love will help prepare us for Christmas by getting to the heart of the holiday.
The Christmas season is really only possible to fully embrace when we come to know that the heart of this holiday is found in the incarnation of God. “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:23
God so loved His creation that He went to great lengths to rescue it by sending His son in the flesh to suffer and die. God sent Jesus to earth knowing that it would cost Him His life. He made the sacrifice for us. The story of God’s love begins in a cradle, but it ends on a cross.
I hope you plan to be with us during the four Sundays of Advent and for our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service which will be our main focus for Christmas worship this year. We will not have services on Sunday Dec. 25th. We will return for a combined service on New years Day at 11AM with no S.S.
Together, we will experience the Heart of Christmas
Pastor Kevin, Michi & Family
