Homily: "Heaven’s Gift of Light and Glory" by Jacqueline Lynch

Prayer: Calvin Thomsen

Pastoral Welcome: Darold Retzer

Child Dedication: Isabella Marie Castillo Keese - Genevieve Isidro1
Alejandro Luis Corona

Children’s Feature: Rob Mohr

Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:18–23, TNIV - Gideon Yabaki - 1st service
Jaden Melashenko - 2nd service

INTRODUCTION TO THE SERMON

Christmas Day Sabbath! What an awesome privilege is ours today to have been given this moment in time in this current holiday season to worship the Lord of all creation and to celebrate the recognition of His birth so many centuries ago! Indeed, celebrations abound during this Christmas season as many participate in activities and events in keeping with their own unique, cultural, religious or family traditions.
During this time of the year, I recall vivid memories of childhood Christmases, where excitement permeated the first waking moment of that special day.   I remember my extreme delight in a beautifully decorated pine tree, covered with its ornate, glass bulbs, silver garland, and especially the multi colored, twinkling lights. Of course, as it is with every child on Christmas morning, it was difficult to contain my excitement in the anticipation of “finally” opening gifts.

I have stressed the word “finally” because in our home the content of each exquisitely wrapped Christmas gift would always have to remain a mystery for just a few moments longer. Inevitably, just as my little fingers would reach for a gift with my name attached, I would hear echoing in the background mother’s reminder: “First things first!”  With those words, I would pause and remember that our Christmas celebration began “first” with the unfolding of a wonderful family tradition; reading the biblical account of the birth of Christ.  With the inheritance of this legacy, I continue to find excitement and receive Christmas joy in the remembrance that “Jesus is the true reason for this season”!

On this Christmas Sabbath, I invite you to consider with me the essence of Heaven’s Gift of Light & Glory in the birth of our Savior, as expressed in portions of this familiar and beautifully penned Christmas hymn, The First Noel.

 “The first noel the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep, on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
They looked up and saw a star, shining in the east beyond them far;
And to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night.
And by the light of that same star, three wise men came from country far;
To seek for a king was their intent, and to follow the star wherever it went.
              Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel!”

Have a blessed Christmas,

Jacqueline Lynch
Associate Pastor
Community Services and Outreach

Note: Child dedications and baptisms are listed in the extras section of the DVD

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