Pastor Alecia's
Weekly Sermon
I love to collect Nativity sets, especially folk art sets from countries around the world. Each one tells the story of the Christ child and his family through the eyes of the artisan’s culture. The figurines are reflections of the people of other lands with skin tones that match their own, clothed in typical garb like theirs, and made from local materials at hand. Each one invites a unique and prayerful meditation of the Christmas story envisioned by each artisan. Some sets are quiet and peaceful, some are joyful and full of activity, some are intimate and invite you to come and worship.
A week ago, I was browsing in one of my favorite gift shops and looking at the Nativity sets there. When I found one I liked my first reaction was to pick it up, turn it over, and look at the price. Suddenly I was embarrassed at myself. I wasn’t looking at the message of the scene, I was looking to see how much it would cost to own it! That was our consumer culture coming through me. Everything’s for sale, Including baby Jesus! In reality, the birth of God’s only Son is priceless!
I’ll tell you a little secret. If you’re looking to buy a nativity set, pick up the baby Jesus and turn him over. The price sticker is usually underneath the babe in the manger. When I think about it, that’s a sad, silly, and sacrilegious joke. How can you put a dollar value on something that is beyond price? On another hand, how can there be a price tag on Jesus when He is a free gift sent from the heart of the Father? Jesus our Savior, a priceless free gift. What then can we give for Him? I’m reminded of a verse of one of my favorite Christmas carols:
What then can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man I would do my part.
But what I can I give Him,
I will give my heart.
Christmas blessings to you and yours,
Pastor Alecia
A week ago, I was browsing in one of my favorite gift shops and looking at the Nativity sets there. When I found one I liked my first reaction was to pick it up, turn it over, and look at the price. Suddenly I was embarrassed at myself. I wasn’t looking at the message of the scene, I was looking to see how much it would cost to own it! That was our consumer culture coming through me. Everything’s for sale, Including baby Jesus! In reality, the birth of God’s only Son is priceless!
I’ll tell you a little secret. If you’re looking to buy a nativity set, pick up the baby Jesus and turn him over. The price sticker is usually underneath the babe in the manger. When I think about it, that’s a sad, silly, and sacrilegious joke. How can you put a dollar value on something that is beyond price? On another hand, how can there be a price tag on Jesus when He is a free gift sent from the heart of the Father? Jesus our Savior, a priceless free gift. What then can we give for Him? I’m reminded of a verse of one of my favorite Christmas carols:
What then can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man I would do my part.
But what I can I give Him,
I will give my heart.
Christmas blessings to you and yours,
Pastor Alecia
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