As I shared a few days ago, Cheryl and I were able to attend the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at the congregation we served for most of our time in ministry this year. We had not done so since 2019. While it was different, I did not mind being able to sit with my bride. We sang with the Praise Team/Choir, with Cheryl accompanying one song on the piano. Just before the service, our pastor asked me if I would read the lessons from Isaiah 9 and Micah 5 during the service, which I was happy to do. Then we listened to our pastor remind us of the peace and joy we have, knowing the birth we were celebrating would lead to a death and resurrection that was for everyone. Those who believe in the one born to live a perfect life and die to pay for sin have a confidence that those without faith do not know. Believers in Christ live with the certainty of forgiveness and life and salvation for His sake.

The first Sunday after Christmas in 1980 was the first time I preached a sermon in my home congregation. As a first year seminarian, preaching at home and in front of my father/pastor gave me a severe case of cottonmouth. Both the congregation and I survived that day as I preached on Galatians 4:4-5…”When the time had fully come, God sent forth His Son…” I pointed them to the cross and the empty tomb, which is what we all need. And I had God’s promise that He would work through His Word.

Psalm 111:10 tells us: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.”

Followers of Jesus have this wisdom because we fear, love and trust in God above all things. Too many today live with the wrong kind of fear. People are afraid of things that can harm their bodies, and that fear consumes them. We all need a reminder to fear the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

As we continue to celebrate this Christmas season into the New Year, may we be in awe of and respect above everything else the one who came to save the world.