Christmas 2024

Dear Neighbor,

Perhaps this Christmas season you would like to consider how the three wisemen were led by a star to the infant Jesus as it says in Matthew 2:9: “And behold, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was.”

There were ancient prophecies predicting this event. In Numbers 24:17 it says, “A Star shall rise out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise up out of Israel.” And more generally the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ in brightness is described as well in the Old Testament:

• “Out of Zion, the completeness of beauty, God shall shine forth; our God shall come, and shall not be silent.” (Psalm 50:2, 3)
• “The people walking in darkness shall see a great light; those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them shall the light shine.” (Isaiah 9:2)
• “Arise, shine; for thy light comes, and the glory of Jehovah has risen upon thee. For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and dense darkness the peoples; but Jehovah shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee.” (Isaiah 60:1-2)

Like the wisemen, we can be led to meet the Lord. We can be led to find Him in the Scriptures, where the light of His life shines forth like the Star of Bethlehem. In John chapter 1 it says, “In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men…He was the true Light which enlightens every man who comes into the world” (John 1:3, 9).

If you are curious about how light from God shines out through the Scriptures and enlightens us as it says in John, consider visiting us at the Kempton New Church for services on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am. And if you would like to join us as we celebrate the birth of the Lord God our Savior Jesus Christ at our Christmas worship service, I would love to see you. It will be held on Christmas Eve — Tuesday, December 24, at 5:00 pm.

Merry Christmas!

Sincerely,

Rev. Brett D. Buick
Pastor