Beyond the Pulpit 12.28.25
Pastor Christy is on vacation today but will return next week for Sunday Worship. In her absence, Church Council Chair Doug Gaskell shares a few thoughts on the Christmas story.
I find the Christmas story fascinating. Each time I read the story in Luke, I am struck by GOD’s choice to reveal Christ’s birth to the shepherds. Out of all the people on the planet to announce the birth of The Savior, the shepherds are probably the last ones I would choose and yet, this is GOD’s choice.
These shepherds are not the elite of Jewish society. They aren’t the ones living the life of privilege with the big house and the revered job. They aren’t leaders in the community or elders of the synagogue. They do a job that nobody else wants to do.
When I read the story of the three wise men in Matthew I am again struck by GOD’s choice. These men aren’t leaders in the community or elders of the synagogue. In fact, they probably are not even Jews. Most likely they are outsiders, Zoroastrians, and yet, this is GOD’s choice.
I think it’s easy to miss, but the message here is that the birth of Christ is for everyone. Not just for insiders. Not just for the elite. The birth of The Savior is for the marginalized AND the privileged, for the those on the outside AND those on the inside. Our role is to tell that story of Jesus through word, and especially deed.
Our mission statement says it best. To LOVE, GROW, GO and, in this case, especially GO. To GO into the world to make a positive difference. To GO into the world putting our faith into action. To GO into the world in service to others. To live our lives in a way that people see Jesus through the grace, mercy, and forgiveness we share.
And that’s a story worth telling!
Grace and Peace
Doug Gaskell
Chair
Crozet UMC Church Council