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The Gospel of Matthew Bible Studies
The Gospel of Mark Bible Studies
January 2008
February 2008
March 2008
April 2008
May 2008
June 2008
July 2008
August 2008
September 2008
October 2008
November 2008
December 2008
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Nativity of Our Lord: Christmas Eve – (B) Luke 2:1-20 and John 1:1-14 December 24, 2008 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. Throughout history, people have contemplated this great world in which we live, and have experienced an even greater mystery at the heart of our existence—a transcendence—or that which transcends our human scope of vision or knowledge or understanding. Continually, people of every culture have felt that this mystery is deeply connected to themselves and to the natural world around them, but… that it also goes, somehow, beyond… However we choose to define it—this transcendent mystery has been a fact of human life. We have all experienced something similar: when we listen to a great piece of music or hear a beautiful poem or sit atop a mountain and feel touched within… and lifted, momentarily, beyond ourselves. As people, we tend to seek out this experience, and here at church is one place that people go to connect with it. This transcendent mystery—that which is “sacred” if you will—has been experienced in many ways: it has inspired fear, awe, exuberant joy, peace, tranquility.., and it has even inspired compelling moral activity amongst people. It represents a fuller, enhanced life—a fulfillment/ a completeness for our souls. It is not merely felt as a force “out there” but can also be sensed in the depths of our own being. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. Tonight, on this most holy of nights, we celebrate the story of when some shepherds standing together, somewhere out in a field came face to face with this realm of the sacred. The great beyond—the heavens—were open for them to see, and to experience this holy realm. At first, apparently, the experience inspired fear within them. But the messenger sent to them—the angel—was clear that this was not his purpose. “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people…” Tonight, we remember, together as a community of faith, that God—the transcendent one—broke into the human experience to offer us the greatest of gifts—the original and the ultimate Christmas present. The angel said, “to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord” This one, Jesus Christ, is what you’ve been waiting, and longing, and searching for. He will bring fulfillment to your life. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. Brothers and Sisters in Christ, the light shines in the darkness. Jesus Christ is that light of the world—he is the one specifically sent to us—like a beacon of light -- to guide us through our life, and to show us what is important and makes for joy in our living, and ultimately to save us from darkness or the futility of an existence without purpose. What’s more, brothers and sisters, is that this is not our own doing. Jesus Christ is not earned, but rather he is a gift. Undeserved by any of us—the epitome of God’s grace. And he comes to us, on the one hand: unnoticed in a quiet and common way—a baby is born in a small town. Yet he grows up in our hearts—he becomes something to us—he changes us: He shows us the depth of love which overcomes sin: He shows us the miracle of forgiveness; He is our Lord and the center of our life (even when we don’t notice him there. After all, he is the light of the world, he is never absent and there is nowhere where he can not find you): Tonight we remember, no matter who you are or where you’ve been, that humanity has been given a specific way to encounter the mystery of life, the transcendent realm… and his name is Jesus. He is the light that shines in the darkness… and the darkness did not overcome it. -------------------- Pastor Joshua Magyar 418 W. Main St. Sidney, MT 59270
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