Reflections By Dr. Richard Reed

December 17, 2007

Everyone has special memories associated with Christmas. I can remember our family traditions, the expectations, and the joy of sharing in this special time. I have many fond memories of family gatherings, tables laden with food, presents under the Christmas tree (which was often leaning just a little), and a joy that transcended what we unwrapped. My favorite memories involve the family jokes, stories, the games we played, and the time we spent talking and laughing with each other.

I know that you have treasured Christmas memories as well. Moments you have spent with family, loved ones, friends, and people important in your life. The memories of Christmas traditions and the new memories we create each year, add depth to our Christmas celebration. Our memories of this holy time reflect the joy of our Heavenly Father who welcomed the birth of his son with the songs of angels, the adoration of shepherds, and parents who marveled at their new bundle of joy.

I want to share the following devotion with you. It was printed by the Upper Room and I believe it reflects the joy of Christmas. May the joy and love of our Savior fill your heart and life as we welcome our Savior’s birth. Merry Christmas!

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Richard

Praying with Joy

Read 1 Thessalonians 3:6-10

How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you?

-1 Thessalonians 3:9 (NRSV)

WHEN I was four years old, I realized that my parents gave gifts to our neighbors at Christmas. At about the same time, I discovered Christmas caroling. I loved the stories in the songs and learned all that I could. When the time came for our family to deliver gifts, I insisted that we sing for our neighbors too. Mom and Dad were good sports about the forced holiday serenades. Our neighbors were amazed that a preschooler knew so many carols, including "Good King Wenceslas." When I think about pure joy, I think of gift giving and caroling, singing Christmas songs in our neighbors' front yards.

Paul might have felt the same way when he wrote to his friends in the various churches. Thinking about them, Paul thanked God for them and prayed for them. As we think about Christmas, I hope we feel joy strong enough that we have to stop and thank God for sending Christ to us. I hope we have joy because of Christmas, a time to celebrate and to tell people that the source of our joy is Jesus Christ, who was born in Bethlehem . We might even start singing!

Tyler House ( Tennessee , U.S.A. )

Thank you, God, for Jesus Christ and for the joy we find in following him. Amen.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Richard