Sermonette: December 26, 2022

 This Christmas, “Where are you?” Recall that after the fall of Man, when both Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, this was the same question God posed to them. It is a reminder that God continues to pursue us even if we reject Him. He does allow us, in our folly, to try to live our lives without Him. Either we come to our senses and return back to Him or He pursues us because we have drifted so far away that we need Him to come after us like a stray sheep needing to be found by the Good Shepherd.

 This is the good news we are reminded of at Christmas. God never gave up on mankind. Even after being disobeyed, rejected, denied repeatedly in the Old Testament by a Chosen people meant to bring reconciliation with the rest of mankind, God still pursued the plan of salvation. He sent his only Son to become man. Jesus took on flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary. By His Incarnation, He was both fully man and fully God. Living an exemplary sinless life full of virtue and sacrifice, Jesus suffered, was crucified, died, and was buried. He resurrected from the dead after three days in the tomb. By doing so, Jesus was able to repair the relationship that man had seriously damaged with God by the original sin of Adam and Eve.

 Again, God is asking all of us this Christmas, “Where are you?” A related question is, “Are you happy, really happy?” It is only when we are in communion with God that we are truly happy.

 You might feel there is no hope. You have been caught in a web of sin that you think you cannot escape. You have an addiction to alcohol, drugs, or pornography. You want out. God has not given up on you. Let yourself be found by Him this Christmas. Beg Him earnestly. He came to earth to search for you.

 You are going through some traumatic experience in your life. Perhaps, it is the break up of a relationship or the loss of a loved one or disenfranchisement with the political system. You think you cannot go on. Jesus is there to get you through every trial. He promises He will never try you beyond your ability. Christmas is the perfect time to make sure you are in right relationship with God.

 You might claim that you are self-sufficient, that you have no need for God. You might believe that God does not matter, that He does not exist, that those who believe are superstitious and uneducated. You might believe that it is your mission to convert believers to become non-believers like you. God has not given up on you and never will. In your deepest hurt, God is there to comfort and console you.

 “Behold you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of David his father, and will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 1:31-33.

 Just as God searched out Adam and Eve after they sinned and asked “Where are you?” Christmas reminds us He is still searching us out. Let us allow ourselves to be found.

 Merry Christmas!