Christmas Eve is called by some the Feast of Adam and Eve.  Martin Luther, reflected by the “sin” tree in our sanctuary, observed it by placing apples on the Christmas tree.  That tree reminds us not only of Adam and Eve’s sin, but our own also.  That sin reminds us of God’s love for us that moved Him to send His Son to enter our world.  The white salvation tree on the right side of our sanctuary reminds us that Jesus is God’s answer to sin.  The red of sin is nailed to His cross (the red cross in the tree’s center).  His white righteousness is ours through faith.

The Good News of Christmas is that Jesus came for a world of sinners.  That’s why the angel(s) visited shepherds.  Yes, those stinky, sheep-smelling shepherds, not allowed in the temple, were the first to worship the Shepherd king in the midst of a stable’s aroma.  Micah once prophesied the Messiah would be a ruler to shepherd God’s people.  What better worship than shepherds, who needed cleansing inside and out, to welcome the coming of a shepherd.

Jesus was more than a shepherd, though.  He identified Himself as The Good Shepherd.  He promised to lay down His life for the sheep.  We are those sheep, stinky with the aroma of sin!  Without that recognition, there is no Christmas for us, and the truth that a Savior has been born means nothing.

“Hark, the Herald Angels” sing not only to the shepherds but to us.  The angel tells us not to be afraid.  We need not fear any consequence of sin, even death.  Our joy is in the Shepherd, who was born to cleanse us from the stench of sin.  He has defeated death at its own game.  He laid down His life for us and took it up again so that the words of that beautiful carol are especially true for us.  Just sing the third stanza with me:

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.

The Christ born in a manger is our Good Shepherd, leading us through life to the “second birth.”  This Christmas, as we see and celebrate the baby Jesus, may we especially celebrate what Jesus came to do:  to bring us heaven.

Hope to see you in worship!  Christmas Eve at 5 & 8 p.m.  Christmas Day at 11 a.m.  Love this Christmas and always, Pastor Craig