Throughout our journey of Advent and Christmas at St. John’s, we’ve been building a nursery. Really! A few weeks ago, early morning worshippers at St. John’s were a little shocked to see a ladder, drop cloth and painting tools in the front of our church. It looked like someone had been working and forgot we had church services in the morning. Strange as though it seemed, these were among the first of our “decorations” for Advent.

We’ve come a long way this month in constructing that nursery. The weekly changes to the set that became our nursery were only a communication tool, but they had real significance for our lives and church family. The real nursery is within each of us. It is the place where we meet Jesus, the baby who changes everything.

The sanctuary is beautifully graced with banners, poinsettias, musicians and many people gathered together. The construction on the nursery would seem complete, but let’s take a closer look. Christmas is not merely a day to celebrate the completion of God’s promise to send a Savior. Rather, it is a day to open our eyes to Jesus’ continuing work in our lives which brings blessings that are new every morning. We know all too well that our lives are incomplete, constantly in need of refurbishing. We come together as people who need something more. We are yearning for hope, peace, joy and love. This has to be more than a quick fix or touch-up. And there is good news for us weary travelers!

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;
he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

Christmas gathers us around the baby who changes everything for us. Jesus is the one we have come to worship and he is the one who comes to change everything for the better. He brings hope for our brokenness; peace for our guilt; joy in the midst of our suffering; and love to quench our fears. He is Immanuel, God-with-us, who is building a nursery for us to receive him in our hearts.

I cherish our holiday services together and they kindle the fire of the Spirit’s revival in us. But they are not the finished product. The work of building a nursery for Jesus to dwell within us is a lifetime venture. It is why we value so strongly the experience that comes from the support of a church. This link to our Christmas publication shares with you how we can keep on building that nursery together. It’s the joy we have to live as disciples who encourage one another in more than superficial or occasional ways. This is our ministry to one another in a wonderful place, a nursery for the baby changes everything.

From our family of faith to your household, may the presence of Jesus bless and keep you and yours this Christmas and in the New Year.

(c)2011 St. John's Lutheran Church and School | 505 S Park RD | La Grange IL 60525 www.sjlagrange.com
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