From Our Pastor: Rejoice! A Savior Is Born
Today is born for us a Savior, Christ the Lord. What great news this is for you and for me! Our all-powerful God not only took on the lowliness of mankind but came as a tiny, helpless baby boy. The almighty God made Himself dependent on His mother Mary. God who made humanity relied on humanity to care for Him, feed Him, and protect Him. Mary and Joseph had the extremely rich position of caring for not only the Messiah, but God incarnate, the God-Man. Jesus took on our flesh that we might take on His divinity. How amazing this is to ponder.
Do not let the immensity of this mystery become mundane amidst the busyness that Christmas can be. Ponder the thought of how God loves you this much that He humbled Himself, so that He may raise you to a higher status, from servant to son, by sending His son to become our servant.
In Bethlehem He was born and laid on a slab in the manger to foreshadow the slab in Jerusalem where He was crucified and died and laid on a slab in His tomb. Both called the city of David. Bethlehem, this name that means House of Bread, was called the city of David, for this is where King David was born and anointed King, and the messiah was foretold to be born in Bethlehem by the prophet Micah to be recognized as King by the wise men. Jerusalem, this name means Will feel the Awe of Peace, is also called the city of David, for this is the capital city of his Kingdom. Both Bethlehem and Jerusalem are focused on the kingship of David and therefore the eternal Kingship in His lineage in Jesus Christ.
So may we let this tiny baby boy, Jesus Christ, bring us to awe at His cuteness, and allow His adorable little baby self to woo our hearts. As we allow this newborn baby king to move our hearts with love, may this allow our King and God to remain and reign in our hearts today, and eternally. Today is born for us a Savior, Christ the Lord. Now go and tell this good news to a world that needs to be conquered, not by a ravaging ruler, but by love by a tiny baby boy who is God and King.
What a true blessing it is for Fr. Rafal Pyrchla and me to be here to walk with you on this journey of discipleship. It is truly a pleasure and a joy to be your pastor. I love this parish and I love this school. I love your children and I love each and every one of you. I can’t tell you enough how truly blessed and grateful I am to be here with you. It is such a privilege to be in such a beautiful place with such beautiful souls. I look forward to seeing where this tiny little Christ child leads us this coming church year. How exciting to open the gifts He gives us together. Merry Christmas to you all! I leave you with the words of “O Little Town of Bethlehem:” O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see the lie. Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark street shineth, the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. For Christ is born of Mary and gathered all above. While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love. O morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth. And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth. O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie. Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
-Rev. Steven Arisman