For Unto Us A Child Is Born
Christmas Day
Archbishop Loren Thomas Hines
December 25, 2019
Readings: Isaiah 9: 2-7
Titus 2: 11-14
Luke 2: 1-14
The people who walk in darkness shall see a great light. Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.
The Advent wreath during the season of preparation gives us symbols of what our lives should be. In the old testament, it tells us that Christ was born in a manger in Bethlehem. The family however, lives in Nazareth, which is 80 miles away from Jerusalem. There is a reason why Jesus was born in Bethlehem. A decree was made by Herod which required everyone to travel to his ancestral home to register in a census. God put it in Herod’s heart to make that decree. Nothing comes by accident. Everything is planned. God uses things, people, situations to get things done His way. Even the Star of Bethlehem that was shining from the East. Ordinary shepherds, simple people who were considered as outcasts were to be the first to witness this newborn Babe. The Magi, who were gentiles, were directed to go to Jerusalem, which was the center of progress. God can use anyone to accomplish His prophecies. Things we see as impossible, God makes them possible.
Scriptures tell us that if we do not do our part, God can use rocks to carry out His plan. We have so many excuses when all we need to do is to submit to His will. God uses the religious, the political or anyone to accomplish His will. He uses all things to bring glory to His name.
Why are there so many bright lights during Christmas? Bright lights are intended to be in our lives. If we walk in hope, faith joy and love, our lights should be seen.
The great cathedrals in Europe are so awesome that they are drawing people to see all this beauty. God gives wisdom to man to build such awesome structures such as these so His glory can be seen. God is without limit. He does not put things in a box.
May the joy and hope in us be so vibrant that this can be seen in our lives. God never asks us to do anything without first equipping us. We are to follow in His humility because He is the Son of the highest who came to us humbly, without any fanfare. We are indeed a blessed people.
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