From the Pastor - December 2008

  Christmas is an incredibly busy time of the year. Amid all the hustle and bustle, it is easy to lose touch with the reason behind it all. That is especially true this year. The current financial crisis places a great deal of stress on peoples’ lives, especially during the Christmas season. After all, the expectation of gifts, parties, and so on are still there. Unfortunately the money isn’t. 

 Perhaps this Advent/Christmas season more than any others provides us all with the opportunity to re-connect with the true meaning of the holiday. It is far too easy to get caught up in the commercialism of the season that we forget its reason. When money is tight, and we can’t just spend it without thinking carefully, it makes us re-examine our priorities and find ways to celebrate without spending a great deal of cash.

 Indeed the very first Christmas had an air of financial difficulty surrounding it. According to Luke’s Gospel, Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem because of a census ordered by Emperor Augustus. This census was done so that everyone could be made to pay taxes to the empire. This young couple was very poor (as witnessed by their offering given upon the birth of their son. (cf Luke 2:24). The last thing they needed as they prepared to have their first child (having children was expensive even in those days) was the additional burden of increased taxes, not to mention the cost of lodging, once they got where they were headed.

 The point is, circumstances don’t tell the entire story. Looked at from circumstances alone, the birth of Jesus could hardly be seen as joyous. However, God was working even in the midst of difficult circumstances to do something profound. 

 Circumstances don’t tell the whole story of our lives either. Yes, things may be difficult financially. Yes, we may have to cut back on the number or cost of the gifts we give this year. However, our lives, and more importantly who we are is never defined by our circumstances. God is at work in our lives, even when it might not be obvious due to our circumstances.

 Throughout this issue of the Oasis, you will find resources designed to renew the true meaning of Advent/Christmas. I hope you’ll find the time to avail yourself of these opportunities.

Pastor Tony