The nativity story indeed has a rich cast of characters and circumstances that make it a riveting drama.  We meet Mary, the fresh-faced teenager, who is visited upon by an angel with shocking news.  We encounter shepherds out in the fields doing their jobs when they are interrupted by the most amazing celestial song and dance ever.  We come upon wise men, be they sages, kings, or whomever, who travel far distances to come face to face with a lowly baby.  We also meet the conniving King Herod, who is bent on maintaining power whatever the costs. 

But what about Joseph, who is to be the earthly father of Jesus?  What was this experience like for him?  What are his hopes, his fears?  What makes him tick?  This Sunday in worship, I will present a first person monologue sermon from the perspective of Joseph as he brings Mary and baby Jesus back from Egypt to Nazareth.  Together with the earthly father of the messiah, we will wonder how salvation can come from a little baby.
 
So come today for our glorious Christmas Eve services at 3:00, 5:30, or 7:30 p.m.  Celebrate Christmas tomorrow, and then come back to church with family and friends on Sunday as we explore this truly strange way that God chooses to save the world.

And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.  -Matthew 2:6

Prayer for Today

Affirmation of Faith                          
The Confession of 1967 9.19
    
 Out of Israel God in due time raised up Jesus Christ.
 his faith and obedience were the response
 of the perfect Child of God.
 He was the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel,
the beginning of the new creation,
and the pioneer of the new humanity.
He gave history its meaning and direction
and called the church to be his servant
for the reconciliation of the world.