EVEN IF YOU do not have a calendar, you can tell December has arrived – and not just because the weather has cooled down. I have driven by many homes that have taken time to decorate. Shiny, sparkly, colorfully lit trees in windows brighten the evenings. People outside climbing on ladders, hanging lights, running power cords to bring to life the vast number of inflatables that take over their yard. Stores filled with people looking for the perfect gift or planning the perfect meal; Christmas music piped into stores and parking lots. Cars driving around with antlers and red noses. Kids email you their Amazon “wish lists” (so you know exactly what they want). Even our very own London Bridge area has been transformed into an amazing holiday light display.
I’m not gonna lie. I, myself, sometimes get caught up in the festivities, and I am sure you do as well. Who doesn’t? The food, the gift giving, the gatherings - this time of year can be magical. So much excitement and anticipation. Why is that? Because we know all that is coming.
Now, put yourself on a hillside, at night. Tending sheep. The only noise is the occasional bleating of the flock. No electronic device in your hand to play games on, or text your friends. Settling into a position so you can stay alert to keep the sheep that wander from wandering. Holding tight to your staff in case of thieves or wild animals. Concentrating, watching. When suddenly, something (or someone) appears. Out. Of. Nowhere! You are surprised (to say the least) and terrified! This messenger and angel of the Lord says, “... Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Still surprised and terrified and now excited and trying to process this experience, suddenly there were more, a bunch more – a multitude of heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!”
You, and the other shepherds, are so excited by this news you rush with anticipation to Bethlehem to see this savior the angels told you about – and then praising and glorifying God for what He had done.
As followers of Christ, we take this time of the year to celebrate the birth of this Lord and Savior – Our Lord and Savior, Jesus. A wonderful, miraculous gift given to us with a plan of love and salvation put together by a God that loves us so much. A God of love that literally sacrificed His own Son so we could celebrate eternity with Him.
And while it is still ok to get caught up in the excitement and anticipation of the holiday at hand, don’t ever let that overshadow the excitement and anticipation of what God has done through Jesus.
Let us always be filled with excitement and anticipation, and, like the shepherds, GO WITH HASTE to praise, greet, and glorify the Son of God. For that is where our excitement and anticipation should be!
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” John 14:1-3 (ESV)
Peace and Love …
Billy
- 12.14.2025 @ 4:00 pm – Christmas Caroling and snacks
- 12.21.2025 @ 6:00 pm. A “Christmas Carol and Story Night”. YOU are invited to plan that event. Please be a part of this evening by providing your favorite Christmas Carol and a story for us to share that evening. See Billy or pick up a sheet in the foyer.
- 12.24.2025 @ 6:00 pm – Christmas Eve Service. 6:00 pm
Transportation for any event is available and can be arranged if necessary. Do you need more information or have any questions? Please watch the announcement slides, see the church website, www.HavasuChristian.org, the bulletin, or call the church office at 1.928.855.2590.
If you have questions or want to know more about the Worship Ministry, contact me and we can set up a time to talk. I would love to talk to you …
