I heard a story about a woman who was doing her last-minute Christmas shopping at a crowded mall. She was tired of fighting the crowds. She was tired of standing in lines. She was tired of fighting her way down long aisles looking for a gift that had sold out days before. Her arms were full of bulky packages when the elevator door opened. It was full.

The occupants of the elevator grudgingly tightened ranks to allow a small space for her and her load. As the doors closed she blurted out, “Whoever is responsible for this whole Christmas thing ought to be arrested, strung up, and shot!” A few others nodded their heads or grunted in agreement. Then, from somewhere in the back of the elevator came a single voice that said, “Don’t worry. They already crucified him.”

We need to remember who is responsible for the whole Christmas thing. It is all about how God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son so that who ever believes in Him might have eternal life.
Contributed by: K. Edward SkidmoreView Full Sermon

On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright made their first flight of an airplane at Kitty Hawk, NC. On their fifth attempt, the plane under the control of Orville, embarked on a 12 second flight.

Wilbur rushed to the local telegraph office and sent the following message – WE HAVE FLOWN FOR 12 SECONDS - WE WILL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!

Upon receiving the telegram, their sister Katherine went to the newspaper office, told the editor of her brother’s new flying machine, and informed him they would be home for Christmas, if he would like to set up an interview.

He told her that was nice, and he would be sure to put something in the paper regarding the boys.

On December 19th, the local paper placed the following headline on the 6th page of the paper: “WRIGHT BROTHERS HOME FOR CHRISTMAS”.

The most important story of the year – man’s first flight – and the editor missed it! I wonder if the same could be said about us when it comes to Christmas. Look all around us…

-The trees are decorated
-The music is festive
-The Season is Right
–It is Christmas, and there are only 14 shopping days left!

In all of our rushing around, in all of our gift buying, in all the things we have to do during this season – HAVE WE MISSED THE IDEA – Jesus has come to earth!
Contributed by: Alan TisonView Full Sermon

What sort of person is afraid of a baby or of a 15-year-old girl?

There is no greater treasure than to know that God comes to us in such a friendly coming as this.

(Reflections by Martin Luther)
Contributed by: Michael UebergangView Full Sermon