I Love Christmas

Dear Stonebridge Family,

I love Christmas! Christmas is the celebration of the greatest gift that has ever been given, the birth of Jesus. Christmas is not without stress though. In many ways, it is a mad rush from Thanksgiving to Christmas. So much to do! Then suddenly on Christmas Eve, everything stops. There is a peaceful silence that falls over our communities as we exchange gifts, share meals, and light our candles of faith. 

Christmas is a time of making space for the love of Christ; a time of poking holes in the darkness of this world with divine hope; and sharing the joy of giving ourselves to others as the Bethlehem child is given for us.  

This Sunday, I will be preaching on John 1:1-5. Here, John gives witness to Jesus with these words, “… in him was life, and the life was the light of all people…” (John 1:4). In a few days, we will experience the longest night of the year. I find it fitting that when the night is longest we celebrate the life of Jesus that shines bright in the darkness. Jesus is our hope and our joy, no matter what life may bring. 

Come worship the Lord of Life, the Child of Bethlehem, the King of Kings, and Mighty One of Heaven. There is no other equal to our Lord. Let us wait no longer, but seek the one who makes all things new. The Christ is waiting. Let us open our hearts in wonder and praise. 

The countdown has begun… Less than two weeks til we celebrate the birth of our Lord with Christmas Eve Candlelight - December 24 worship at 3:00, 5:00 and 7:00 pm. 

Can you see the light? Can you hear the cry of baby Jesus? Have you heard the story of the ages about what God is doing? 

In our hearing, let us make the story known. In our seeing, let us make a difference for our Lord. Come Lord Jesus come. 

Pastor John Allen