Thursday, December 24, 2015

Christmas Eve Homily

December 24th, 2015

In the Name of Christ Jesus, our Newborn King!
Even from the garden, as the shame and sorrow of the fall was hanging in the air, Christ Jesus' coming was promised. Looking at Satan, who had just tempted Adam and Eve, the Lord God promised that He Himself would come and crush Satan under His heel. Years passed, the the promise was renewed. It was renewed to Abraham – no Abraham, your son, your Isaac will not die – I myself will be the true Lamb of God that will take away the sin of the world. Years passed, and prophets foretold the coming of the Messiah. In the midst of darkness, a light would come, the true Light, the Light of Light – for unto to us a Child is born. Even as the Kingdom of Israel was failing, the promise was that from the stump of Jesse a true and better King would rise – a Savior who would reign for all eternity.

Yet again, years passed, and in the fullness of time God sent the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, and by the power of the Holy Spirit she conceived Christ Jesus, her Lord. And she gave birth to Him in a manger, in humble circumstances. The high and proud rulers trembled with fear for what this would do to their kingdoms – the poor and lowly heard angel choirs rejoicing. The foolish fought and plotted - the wise bowed down before their infant Savior, bringing gifts befitting a royal priest who would die to save His people.

Yet again, years have passed. Over two thousand of them. And here we are, gathered in joy, in celebration, in thanksgiving for the birth of Christ Jesus, our Savior. The words of the Old Testament have proven true. Our Savior has come, and with His death and resurrection the powers of Satan, of sin, and yes, even the powers of death have been shattered and broken. And even today, in the midst of the darkness of this night, we proclaim the light of Christ Jesus our Savior. For we are not alone. God Himself has become Man, become one of us, has won us salvation. Now, this moment, your Brother Christ Jesus sits upon the heavenly throne, surrounded by the angels, surrounded by the saints of the ages, and He rules the world with truth and grace. This, my dear friends, is why this night I can wish you a hearty and merry Christmas, for Christ Jesus came down from heaven to win you your salvation, and He shall come again to see that you have it in full, all thanks and praise be to God our Father, and our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus! In the Name of Christ Jesus, our Newborn King + Amen.

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