I love the story told by a retired Bishop of one Christmas Eve when he was the pastor of a local church, and had prepared what he thought was a particularly brilliant Christmas Eve sermon on the mystery of the Incarnation, God's Word becoming flesh in Jesus to dwell among us.  As the family drove to church that evening, he was rehearsing his message in his mind when his young son asked, "Dad, are you going to let us enjoy Christmas this year, or are you going to try to explain it?"

Friend of Dial Hope, I have exciting news to share with you... the Saviour has been born!  This is the good news, the TA-DA! of Christmas!  Christ was born for this world of suffering, loss, and death.  Jesus is God with us, not just in times of celebration, but in times of sorrow, sadness and pain.  Listen to the words of this beautiful carol;

Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice.  Now ye hear of endless bliss; News, news!  Jesus Christ was born for this!  He hath opened heaven's door, and ye are blest for evermore.  Christ was born for this, Christ was born for this!

Merry Christmas! 

Prayer:  The bells of Christmas ring in our ears, O Lord, even as your love rings in our hearts.  For unto us a child is born and our barren lives are filled with great joy!  We remember those experiencing anguish and grief.  We remember American soldiers, the men and women who remain in Iraq and Afghanistan, those calling from helicopters.  Be with the people of these war-torn countries... that peace may come soon.  Be with the homeless, those in soup lines.  On this birthday of Jesus, grant us the gift of faith that is open to the birth of Christ in our hearts and minds.  Thanks be to you, God, for the gift of your son, Jesus Christ.  Amen.