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A baby in the hay

Pastor Michael Colbeck of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Summerland reflects on Christmas
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During this Christmas season, God’s children around the world rejoice in our God, who came into the world to save us.

“Do not be afraid! I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people. This very day in David’s town your Saviour was born – Christ the Lord! And this is what will prove it to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

More than 2,000 years ago, an angel visited some shepherds and told them about a baby in the nearby town of Bethlehem.

They were told that this child would bring great joy to all people because he is the Saviour, Christ the Lord.

Today when important people around, we celebrate.

If William and Kate or Andrew and Meghan were to come to Summerland, we would surely all know. They would be welcomed like royalty – which they are. The Review would be all over the story.

Special decorations would be everywhere.

The mayor and all of the dignitaries would be out in force.

People would line the streets.

When Jesus came, he seemed just like every other baby. He was bundled up in strips of cloth, like most Jewish babies.

In a world where many babies died before their first birthday, the Son of God looked much like the rest.

There was no halo over his head or angels hanging out above the manger or choirs singing “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”

And while those who saw him – other than the shepherds – might have thought he was just another cute baby, Jesus was born with a purpose.

As another angel told Joseph, Jesus was born “to save his people from their sins.” This baby resting in the hay was born for you. He was born out of God’s love for each of us.

For beyond the cradle we find the cross and we know that Jesus came into our world to die for our sins… to rise from the dead… to be our Saviour and brother… and to make it possible for us to live with God today and forever.

On Christmas we rejoice that God came into our world as a baby lying in the hay. Celebrate his birth and enjoy his gifts of peace, hope, and love this Christmas.

Pastor Michael Colbeck is the pastor of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.