Welcome To Trinity Lutheran Church, Hillsboro

Better Than Expected                              

                 Have you ever watched “Antiques Road Show”?  I have to admit, it is somewhat addictive.  It’s fascinating to see what is brought in to be appraised, and what treasures are revealed.   Many times the owners have no idea their item is so precious.  It’s better than they expected.

                 I wonder if this is how Mary and Joseph felt when Jesus was born and all activity that followed.   After all, when you stop to think about it, Christmas is the story of a very average couple, making a long journey to comply with a foreign decree, which they probably objected to.  Because of all the people being displaced by this decree, they are forced to find meager, substandard accommodations.  To make matters worse, Mary gives birth to the couples’ first child, away from home and family, and in a feeding trough.  No one seems to notice, or even care.  It’s so average, so every day.

                 Yet here is where the story really gets good.  From such an ordinary scene God makes an earth changing proclamation.  It’s better than anyone expected.  The Savior of God’s creation has come to earth.  God has taken the next step in His plan to remedy the age old problem of sin by sending the ultimate payment, His Son, Jesus.  Very few seem to get the significance of this occasion except some shepherds who were serenaded by angels with the best news ever proclaimed; “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth!”  And when they come to see this marvelous event, they can’t contain themselves, but run wildly through Bethlehem proclaiming God’s salvation is here!  I don’t think too many folks believed them though.  Even Mary is said to have pondered all these things in her heart.  As Jesus’ life unfolded she began to make sense of these events and their significance.

                 So how do you view Advent and Christmas?  Is it sort of the same old thing, same hurrying, rushing, worrying, anxiety?  Or is it better than anyone could have hoped for, that God in His infinite love would come to live among His creation, save them from the curse of sin, and give them the ultimate gift, eternal life?  In the baby at Bethlehem, see what treasure God has given us.

Blessings,

Pastor Bruce