ORNAMENTAL CHRISTIANS

Posted by Christ the King Lutheran Church on December 20, 2011 under Pastor's Message | Comments are off for this article

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE Saturday, Dec. 24th at 7:30 at Timberlea School with Glowstick “candles”
No Worship Service at the school Sunday, Dec. 25th or Sunday, Jan. 1st. One worship option is the 10:00 Service at St. Thomas Anglican on Signal Road.

Christmas decorating means sorting through the ornaments which often have stories to go with them, memories of people and places. For years I used a little garland from our first Christmas tree – it was so small that one garland was the only decoration it needed. Then there are the gifts for special occasions, the hand-made efforts, and perhaps ornaments we inherited. There can be joy and sadness as we hang them once again. Such ornaments get packed away, sooner or later (one year it was February before I undecorated a table top tree). But there’s another kind of ornament that is meant for year round display – the believing Christian.

The Letter to Titus, a pastor on the island of Crete, outlines roles and expectations for members of the Christian community. “Pay attention to your life,” the letter says, “so that you may be an ‘ornament to the doctrine of God our Saviour’” (Titus 2:10). In other words, “You have been saved by God, through Jesus, so live like it, showing what is good, true, honest, and kind.”

Think about it: You are hand-picked by God to be displayed, to bring beauty, to bring joy, to offer the story of Jesus. You are an “ornament” that God has no desire to pack away for a significant part of the year. You may be a bit battered, but your memories of God’s words and God’s faithfulness matter to the people around you.

Blessings on your Christmas celebrations. Whether you gather with a large group or a very small number, count on Jesus to show up too.

Pastor Susan