Editor’s note: The Cordova Times invited Cordova faith leaders to submit Christmas messages.
It’s a party!
By the Rev. Belle Mickelson
St. George’s Episcopal Church
Yes, Christmas is a party — Jesus’ birthday — and a great celebration! And we’re all invited! Christmas is a time to fill our hearts with love, joy, smiles, music and gratefulness as we think of others. People everywhere are praying for us to help them — and as we reach out to them — we will be blessed beyond our wildest dreams!
One idea for Christmas presents is to give chickens, goats, bees and seeds to people in other countries who need these items for their very survival — rather than filling our houses with “more stuff.” Giving does make us feel better — as we work to solve world problems by sharing. The latest Guideposts magazine had an article on “What Makes a Cheerful Giver.” Giving fills us with joy — and infuses us with feelings of warmth toward others; promotes empathy; and expands our world.
Christmas is a time to be with family — and if yours is far away — come to one of Cordova’s churches and find some new family members. Alaska is a place where so many of us have to adopt grandmas and grandpas, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters to fill in for our distant ones. So let’s celebrate and be thankful for this beautiful place that we live — and our ever new and expanding friends and family!
Join us at St. George’s Episcopal Church at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 24 for Christmas Carols and a Children’s Christmas Puppet Play.
Our candlelight Christmas Eve Service is at 8 p.m. Sunday and features Christmas Carols, the Christmas Story, Special Music, a short Message and Holy Communion. And party with us afterwards with treats next door at the Red Dragon!
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The historical monkey wrench
Pastor Steve Leppert
Church of the Nazarene
What I am about to say is not a knock against what others believe or an attempt to change anyone’s mind. There are many scenarios that beg the question, “Then why did Jesus come?” If all we have to do is make sure the good side of the scale is heavier than the bad then Jesus makes no sense. If we only need to perform the right ritual or offer the right sacrifice then Jesus makes no sense. If we just give money and time to the church and get everything wrong about Jesus, once again Jesus makes no sense. Can every religion be correct even though they contradict each other?
We like to admire the little Christ Child who lies so quietly in the manger, but this same child grew up to reveal just who this God is. As society after society tries to figure out the “god” question, God stepped in and made it easy for them. I can imagine the conversation between God the Father and God the Son going like this.
Jesus speaking says, “Let me get this straight, the plan is for me to become one of them in human form, take all the punishment for all their sins, suffer and be crucified, be misunderstood, persecuted, so that they might be reconciled with us, and in the end they can simply choose another way into heaven? Father, why Me if there really is another way?
And so, if the answer of eternal life is, “Whatever works for me,” Jesus makes no sense, and the little Christ Child remains just a cute story as we unwrap our gifts. Once again, I am not attacking what others might believe, I am only asking the question, “Does the child who grew up to make claims of representing the creator of the universe make any sense if all we have to do is just try our best?”
Jesus is the reason of the season
Pastor Leslie Bourdess
MorningStar Independent Baptist Church
The MorningStar Independent Baptist Church and I would like to invite you to our Christmas Eve Service at 11 a.m.
Come worship with us during this special time and celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and remember that Jesus is the reason for the season.
After Christmas, we will resume our services on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God,
The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
