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It is in the early hours of that first Christmas morn. In a natural cave just outside the city of Bethlehem is a young man, his even younger wife, and a newly-born child. The babe is nestled snugly in an animal-feeding trough deep inside the cave. Darkness still prevails, though the night has a thousand eyes with a myriad of stars. It will be several hours before dawn. The young man, Joseph, with the help of a midwife, has just helped in the delivery of his newborn son. The young woman, Mary, lies exhausted, leaning against the back wall of the cave on a straw mat. She is sleeping peacefully, as is the tiny infant. Joseph, however, is wide awake.

The midwife has left and returned to her family. Joseph's mind is keenly alert, though physically, he is exhausted. He would prefer to rest for a couple of hours, but his brain will not let him. So many events have indelibly impressed his senses this night. He closes his eyes and the drama is replayed once again. He ponders, to himself:

"Oh Lord, thank you. Thank you, for delivering the baby safely. I was afraid we would not make it to a place of shelter. I am so grateful that Mary can now find a few moments of rest. These last days have been so difficult for her. You know I would not have brought her on this long journey had it not been for the wagging tongues, the ones who looked at her out of the corners of their eyes. Her friends, even her own family, would not listen to her story - much less believe it. But, Lord, how can I blame them when I find it so hard to believe myself? In my dream, I still hear your voice, 'Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.' The Holy Spirit!

"I know Mary! She would not think of being untruthful! She is as baffled and confused as I. But the Babe is born. He lies here beside us. In my deepest being I know he is of divine origin, but who can comprehend the ways of the Almighty? I cannot understand it; how am Ito make others understand? But, what I cannot understand I nevertheless accept, because you spoke to me. I know you spoke to me! And you spoke to Mary. She cannot explain it anymore than I, but neither of us would deny it.

"The night is so peaceful. My body is exhausted. But my mind is alert, alive, full of wonder. Miraculous wonder! Why? How did you choose us, Lord? Why us? We have nothing to offer your divine Son. He should have been born to royalty. At least to the wealthy. Those who could care properly for him. We have nothing, Lord, nothing! We are among the poorest of the poor. Surely you have miscalculated! Alas! Forgive me, Lord. Who am I to question the wisdom of the Almighty?

"You told me that Mary would bear a son, and a son it is, Lord, a beautiful, healthy son. You told us that we should name him Jesus, for he would save his people from their sins! The only one who can save our people, Lord, from their sins is the Anointed One of God! No! It cannot be! Such an honor could not be bestowed upon us!

"The scriptures, I remember, foretold that he would be born in Bethlehem. Here! In this very place! But, he was born here by accident! He should have been born in Nazareth where we live. But, Lord, you know of the census; I had to return to the city of my forefathers. Even under Mary's condition. I could not leave her! You know that.

"How could it be? That all these circumstances took place so that he would be born here? How are we to understand such workings of the Almighty?

"Listen! I hear footsteps! Footsteps? At this hour of the morning? Who would be wandering about at this hour? Lord, they have stopped. They are entering the cave! Are they here to harm us, Lord? They look like, they are - shepherds! What would bring them here at this hour? I can hardly make out their forms in this dim light. Who sent them? They evidently mean no harm. Why, they are kneeling, in front of the manger. Why do they not speak?

(In a half-whisper) "You, there, what do you want? Why do you come here at this hour of the night?"

(Voice of a young shepherd) "We have sought for a tiny babe, lying in a manger; God has led us to this place. This must be the child. And you, you must be its father. An angel appeared to us on the hillside, no more than an hour ago. And he said, 'This will be a sign for you: You will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord! The Messiah!' My friend, is this indeed the Messiah? The Promised One of Israel? Have we found the child, or must we continue our search?"

"No, my friends. You have come to the right place. I cannot explain it anymore than you. But, yes, God has revealed it to us as well. This child, his child, is indeed the Promised One of Israel! Do not ask me how I know. I just know. It has been revealed to both my wife and me."

The shepherds gaze upon the child, and say nothing more. They kneel for a few moments, then leave, as silently as they came.

"Oh, my Lord! You have confirmed to us what we had dared not believe! You have sent the shepherds, to whom you also appeared! They have confirmed his birth, his identity, his divinity! How many others know of his birth, Lord?

"Mary does not know of the shepherds' visit. When she awakens, I will tell her. She will be thrilled to know that God has confirmed what he told us in a dream!

"It is silent once again. Such an unearthly silence. Such a God-like silence. I look upon this child. So fragile, so vulnerable. It is given to us to protect him, to raise him, to teach him. To teach him? How can we teach him? We have more need to be taught of him! But, I would vow this before you, Oh Lord. Before any harm will come to him they must first take my life! Mary and I, with your help, will share with him what we have. We can only teach him what we have been taught. Then you, Oh Lord, must supply the rest!

"Dawn! The first golden rays of light over the hillside! Surely this day will never be forgotten among men. As he grows, as he matures, we will understand more fully who he is and what his mission in life is to be. The shepherd said he was to be the Savior of the world! God grant that it may be so. Grant that the world may truly believe and be saved by him!

"Oh Lord, we humbly submit to your will. We shall never understand why you have chosen us, but we shall be forever grateful.

"If this beautiful child shall bring salvation to the world - to you, Oh Lord, be all the praise, honor, and glory! Amen."


Children's Sermon
Third Sunday In Advent

The
Christmas Wreath

Object: A Christmas wreath (If there is one in the sanctuary, point to it. If not, bring a small one or a picture of one.)

You have all seen a Christmas wreath, I'm sure. See the one in the sanctuary (point if there is one) or (the one I hold in my hand). Tell me something about this wreath: What shape is it? Is it square? Is it round? Of course, it is round! Do you known why a Christmas wreath is round?

Let me tell you why: This wreath is round because it indicates it has no beginning and no end. Can you see where this wreath begins? Can you see where it ends? No. It is made that way to tell us of the eternity of God. God has no beginning and he has no end. He has been forever, and he will be forever.

Also, a wreath is made from an "evergreen" tree. It is generally made of pine needles. Pine needles are always green, year round. That is to show us that God does not change, he is always the same. That is why we choose Christmas trees to put in our homes. The Christmas tree is green, and its needles always stay the same color. A Christmas tree tells us that it, like God, is always the same.

Wreaths can be made very beautiful, with red ribbons, or pine cones, or even lights on them. But, the main thing about a wreath is that it is always green, telling us that God is always the same. And it is round to tell us that God is eternal.

Think about that the next time you see a Christmas wreath.