Christmas Day 2011

Christmas Day Sermon
The Rev. Julia W. Messer

Merry Christmas!

Some of my fondest memories happened on Christmas; there is nothing more magical than this time of year. I especially remember and cherish two very special Nativity Crèches! My Swiss Grandfather was a civil engineer by profession, but loved nothing more than creating things from wood.  He built a swing set for me and a train table for my brother.  But the thing we treasure the most that he built was a crèche.  It is wood, fits nicely on a table, and has a little bit of a Swiss look to it.  For the next many years as my grandparents traveled, they would find wooden figurines to fill the crèche. W hen I was older my godmother started sending me for Christmas exquisite Hummel figurines for another crèche.   I can’t explain the joy as each of the figurines would come in as a present, year by year, and they got to be put into the crèche. For me when I got these figurines, they were like getting a piece of a greater story. I loved hiding little baby Jesus until Christmas day, or having the wise men cross the room until they made it the manger on the day of Epiphany.

And with today being Christmas, everyone has their own favorite Christmas memories. Christmas memories and traditions help to make today a powerful day. When Jesus came into the world He did not come as a full grown being and made a difference, he was born into a family. A family that had its own traditions and created new memories together. God sent his son not only into the world as a part of a family, but also into the larger human family. So no matter what family you were born to or what life you have experienced, we can all try to find grace in our lives. We are all a part of the story of Christ’s birth and therefore a part of a greater family.  In a season where we are acutely aware of traditions, I want to invite you to think of your family Christmas traditions and briefly share your most favorite one with us. Or share with us one of the great moments of grace you have felt during a Christmas season.

In the name of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.