Service of Lessons and Carols
Rev. Kenneth M. Locke, Interim Pastor
Orchard Park Presbyterian Church; Carmel, IN
December 24, 2024; Feast of the Nativity
This past Sunday, the Ukrainian church that meets here held their Christmas pageant and about a dozen of us were able to attend. It was a joyful, joyful time. Singing, nativity play, food. Didn’t understand a word, but didn’t need to. You could tell everyone was feeling joyful.
There were several short sermons and for these there was a translator. That was a blessing.
The first man who spoke kept saying, “Today is a joyful day.” And he was right. It was a joyful day. Joyful for the pageant, but more so for the story. The Christmas story is joyful.
That’s the story we’ve just heard. We’ve heard it in Scripture and in song. A people living in dark times, on the edge of despair, were promised a ruler. Someone who would lead them to a better life. Someone who would lead them with love, peace, and righteousness. In time, his influence would become so pervasive even natural enemies would live together in love.
When this leader was born, it was in very humble circumstances. Even for a baby, he was powerless.
His very first visitors were shepherds. The lowest of the low. Then, he was visited by foreigners, outsiders. The message is clear. This ruler cares about the poor, the powerless. He cares about outsiders, those who don’t fit in.
Sadly, some powerful people were scared by his birth. They lashed out and behaved horribly. They tried to create a darkness that would crush the young ruler. They tried to smother him in darkness before his light had had a chance to shine.
They failed and failed badly. They didn’t know that that light had been shining from the beginning of time. And is shining still.
Yes, that ruler is still ruling. His light is still shining in our lives, pointing us towards peace and goodwill. It’s a joyful story.
At the end of his sermon, the speaker told us some joy is limited. Students study hard for exams. They take the exams and feel joy they’re finally over. But soon, school starts again, and the studying starts back up. No more joy.
But the story we just heard is an eternal story. It’s an eternal joy. The story of Jesus’ birth never ends. It’s told over and over and over again. It’s the story of how much God loves us. No matter what language it’s told in, it’s a story of joy. Friends, whatever your situation, today is a joyful day. Thanks be to God. Amen.
