The Lord is Come! Christmas in July

Christmas in July

July 25, 2010

The Lord is Come

Pastor Ronald T. Glusenkamp

I have a picture of a sign

  that I love from my days on the road which was taken in Michigan- it proclaims the realities of the 45^th Parallel which is half way between the Equator and the North Pole. I was driving back to an airport from an event where I had spoken. I pulled over and took the picture because it was a powerful sermon for me that we always have choices. Choices to be sad or to be joyful. Choices to stay or to go. Choices to live according to the flesh or the Spirit. Choices to speak or to listen. Choices to tear down or build up.

And so we find ourselves today with this Christmas in July event where we are either 6 months late or 6 months early. Or maybe, just maybe,  we are just very much on time and in sync with the rhythm and message of the gospel lesson, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Choices to bring gifts to the Christ Child who has been made flesh and lives in the children and adults served by Metro Care Ring and the Kids of Kandahar.

The story of Christmas is so big it could and should be celebrated every day of the year. For we are recipients of this amazing God that God so loved the world that he sent his only Son to born and die in order that we might be reborn and have life.

And so due to the grand nature of this gift,  I want your help in preaching this sermon this morning. So, every time I say “Joy to the World” I’d like for you to  respond by saying, “the Lord is come!” Let’s try that one time.

“Joy to the World”- “The Lord is Come” through the water and the Word. This Word names and claims us as Children of God. This morning we give thanks for Riley Morris Rodasti; Olivia Ann Blum; and Nathaniel Kirk Strand.

“Joy to the World”- “The Lord is Come” through the bread and wine and the Word. We come up here just as we are without one plea and are given the Real, Meal Deal!

“Joy to the World”- “The Lord is Come” through the mission trip of the Bethany Youth and their adult chaperones. Together they are One in Christ through word and deed.

“Joy to the World”- “The Lord is Come” as families gather this afternoon at the Bails Street Habitat for Humanity Project. Houses become homes because you graciously responded to the call on Christmas Eve “let every heart prepare Him room.” And so with hammer and nails, wallboard and paint brushes, electrical wires, tile, shingles and lumber you created safe, affordable, environmentally friendly housing for children and adults.
Habitat for Humanity 

Last year when we set aside this date for “Christmas in July” we weren’t entirely sure what to expect or how it would be received. We’re grateful for your response of gifts.

I think the genesis of it all is embedded in the notion that the light and  miracle of the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us  sometimes feels  overshadowed by all the things we think we have to do to make Christmas happen. In other words we often get overwhelmed by the crush of the season as opposed to focusing our hearts and souls on the crèche, the baby Jesus who is the reason for the season! But, in reality we don’t need to make Christmas happen because Christmas is a happening in and of itself.

“Joy to the World”- “The Lord is Come” It is in this “coming” that makes all the difference between death and life, fear and hope, sin and grace.

I have a request for you to do something today. Actually it is an invitation or just a comment. This afternoon or evening, or maybe tomorrow at work, neighborhood, talking or text, let people know that today, this day it was our message to share the wonderful call and response, ““Joy to the World”- “The Lord is Come”

This Christmas by Peter Mayer

Peter Mayer has an amazing song that reminds us again and again that right now, right here, today is the time to give thanks for the Babe born in Bethlehem.

I always kid Peter that this song is the “Gospel According to George Bailey/Jimmy Stewart in It’s a Wonderful Life.

This Christmas this Christmas
There's a gift that only you can give
This Christmas this Christmas
Give yourself to....

Lend a heart, lend a hand
Make a start, understand
Lend an hour lend a day
Wrap yourself to give away

This Christmas by Peter Mayer

“Joy to the World”- “The Lord is Come”  again and again and again.

Amen