Advent and Christmastime are special seasons at Salem.
There’s the beauty of the decorations in the sanctuary, the beauty of
Christmas anthems and carols, and, most importantly, the beauty of the
story of who God is for us as revealed in the coming of Emmanuel, God
with us.

Here we encounter THE great truth about God, Godis love. This is the Christian claim. We agree with other religions and philosophers
when they say God is all powerful and all knowing and all present. The
apostle said these things are knowable from the creation (Romans 1:20).

What is not so clear, because it is obscured by
our sin and our being alienated from God, is that God is love. It’s
here that we need the help of special revelation. God must make it plain
to us, and he did so by sending his Son. “Unto you is born this day … a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2.11 KJV).

This is why we celebrate, and why we give gifts at this time, we’re celebrating the love that reaches out to
us in Christ and we’re seeking to express that kind of love with our
own lives.

I encourage you to get caught up in the spirit of the
season. Let the message of the gospel carry you along to a life of love
and good deeds. Give of yourself to everyone around you, as you draw on the
love that embraces you in Christ.

May your home activities and traditions convey to you and
your family the real meaning of this season. May everything from baking
Christmas cookies to watching Christmas movies spur you to contemplate the
joyous good news that is the inspiration for this time of the year. And may
your life reflect the hope that is ours as Christians, “And man will live
forever more Because of Christmas day” (lyrics from Mary’s Boy Child).

Advent and Christmas Blessings to You All!