He Came Into Our Mess
Good evening, and Merry Christmas to everyone of you who have come to worship with us tonight and also to those who have joined us on line. I have always loved attending, planning, and leading Christmas Eve services. It is hard for me to embrace the idea that this will be my last Christmas Eve service that I will plan and lead as I am retiring from pastoral ministry and pivoting to become a hospice chaplain in less than a month. It’s almost shocking to myself to say that. Nevertheless, Christmas Eve services seem almost magical with all the beautiful lights and music. As the Christmas Story unfolds through the service order, my emotions have never ceased to stir with wonder of how the omnipotent God who created the whole vast universe would condescend to become a helpless little baby. But not only does the Christmas Story and the accompanying carols cause me to pause in wonder-filled worship, my heart is also warmed by being together with people that I love. Even behi