Christmas Message from WWCP

The fact is, I might post something relevant to the election in the next two days. But another fact is that I probably will not. So I have decided to leave you with this non-political Christmas message. So, don't expect me to put universal healthcare or "bringing the troops home" under the tree for you (a la Hillary Clinton). In fact, I won't even be including any "floating crosses" (a la Mike Huckabee, allegedly).

During these days of presents and pie, family time and turkey time, freezing coldness and hot cocoa, sugary sweets and powdery snow, sappy songs and slap-happy songs, and all the other stuff that goes along with the "most wonderful time of the year," let us endeavor to glorify and praise God, just as Mary, Zacharias, the angels, the shepherds, and the Wise Men did, respectively:

“And Mary said: ‘My soul exalts the Lord…holy is His name…’” (Luke 1:46-55)

“And at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God.” (Luke 1:64)

“And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest…’” (Luke 2:13-14)

“The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.” (Luke 2:20)

“After coming into the house they [the Wise Men] saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him.” (Matthew 2:11)


To reflect upon what God has done and is going to do:

“And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:36-37)

“…Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)


To rededicate and re-submit ourselves to God:

“And Mary said, ‘Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.’” (Luke 1:38)

“And he [Zacharias] asked for a tablet and wrote as follows, ‘His name is John.’” (Luke 1:63)


To give ourselves more fully to Christ and to remember that, by giving to the least among us, we give to Him.

“After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." (Matthew 2:11)

"Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to me." (Matthew 26:40)


To find joy and peace in the meaning of the season:

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” (Matthew 2:10)

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people…” (Luke 2:10)

“…on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” (Luke 2:14)


To realize how blessed we are:

“And coming in, he said to her, ‘Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.’” (Luke 1:28)

“The angel said to her, ‘…you have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:30)

I realize that Mary was a special woman, but note what Jesus states later in His life.

“While Jesus was saying these things, one of the women in the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore You and the breast at which You nursed.’
“But He said, ‘On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.’” (Luke 11:27-28)


To let not our hearts be troubled, for Emmanuel, God is with Us:

“But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife…” (Matthew 1:20)

“‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which translated means, ‘God with Us.’” (Matthew 1:23)

“But the angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard…’” (Luke 1:13)

“The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.’” (Luke 1:30)

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people…” (Luke 2:10)

Note that the angel always had a reason not to be afraid, and so do we.

And lastly, to get ready to go tell it on the mountain!

“When they had seen this, they [the shepherds] made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them about this child.” (Luke 2:17-18)

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!