Monday’s thoughts
The schedule of preachers for the Christmas Eve worship services has had to be changed. The change is due to the fact that Reverend Curtis has had to make another “emergency” trip to Arkansas. We will want to hold her in our thoughts and prayers. It’s a tough time for her family right now. Joyce will not be here for Christmas and will not be participating in any of our Christmas Eve services. She was scheduled to preach at the 11 p.m. service. The new schedule is as follows.
Christmas Eve Worship
3pm “Children’s Candlelight service” Joel Kershaw
5pm ”CANDLELIGHT SERVICE” WITH Adult Choir (sermon “You’ve Just Got To See This” Charles Schuster)
7pm “CANDLELIGHT SERVICE” WITH Adult Choir (sermon “You’ve Just Got To See This” Charles Schuster)
11pm “CANDLELIGHT SERVICE” WITH Communion (sermon “Everyone Is Home For Christmas” Charles Schuster)
Some thoughts:
As a Biblical scholar an approach to the Christmas story would begin with a high degree of skepticism. There is much that has to be called into question and one has to be careful not to make more of the stories than is there. In all probability the actual birth of Jesus was understated to the point that it was completely unnoticed. Having been unnoticed the story has been untold. Matthew and Luke probably invented much of what we celebrate as Jesus’ birth narrative.
What is interesting is that in the telling of the story the Biblical writers basically left some facts about his birth alone. They could have written a dramatic story about how the “Son of God” was born in the manner of a royal figure, and they told the story of a child born to a peasant couple. They could have presented his birth with the kind of recongition given a significant religious leader attributing to his birth incredible miracles performed by his parents and to his very presence on this earth. Instead, we are given the idea that he was born into humble circumstances and his birth was witnessed by only a few and was an intrusion into a busy town that had no interest in him or his birth.
Even if Matthew and Luke have given us fiction regarding Jesus’ birth these writers have not changed the essence of the story which, as it actually happened, was annonymous and unregarded.
Obviously, I could use some help this week and would appreciate your insights and comments. If you would like to write me some thoughts you want others to see indicate that by clicking onto “comments”. If you would like to write me privately email me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charl
