Pastor's  Page

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 14“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
  and on earth peace among those whom he favors!
                                                                                              Luke 2:14

These words that are very familiar to Christians are the first words proclaiming the Good News by the heavenly host to some lowly shepherds above Bethlehem town.

On the Wednesday before Christmas I led chapel for the Zion Christian Early Learning Center children in front of Zion's very large Nativity.  Those children range between the ages of two and five and so, for the youngest, this might well have been one of the first tellings of that great story where, punctuated by figures taller than they are, the story came to life.  The older kids knew the characters and shouted out who each one was.  No one asked where Santa was, or asked why the Magi didn't bring gifts more suitable for a baby boy.  Then we sang "O little Town of Bethlehem," "Away in the Manger," and "Silent Night."  I admit it, I got caught up in the moment, and my eyes puddled.  "They get it!" I thought to myself.

Reflecting later on that sacred moment with our children, I rethought my conclusion – who among us actually "gets it"?

Pastor Duane A. Jesse

Sermons

Worship Notes

The Nativity is just the beginning of the greatest love story ever told.  The season of Christmas will only last less than one week this year, then Epiphany will continue till Ash Wednesday on March 6 and Good Friday is April 19 and Easter on April 21 and Ascension Day is May 30.  Within that short 5-6 month time period we get the whole story of our Lord Jesus' earthly life. 

"Why did you bring that up now?  Can't we bask in the glory of the candle-light just a little longer?"  I am so glad you asked.  Yes, bask in the glory all you want.  It's all good for us.  From Nativity to Ascension, it’s the greatest love story ever told.  We celebrate its beginning on a cold dark December's night, but even after the Ascension, God gives us his Holy Spirit to accompany us all the days of our lives.  The greatest love story ever told just goes on and on.  I know, it's hard to imagine a love so great.  We'll just have to believe it in faith until we can look Jesus in the eyes.

With you on the journey of faith,

The Rev. Duane A Jesse, Pastor

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