December 25, 2016
“A Partridge in a Pear Tree”
“A Partridge in a Pear Tree”
This morning we gather here in the church on
the mountain top one could say of one of the two most important celebrations for
the church. Christmas is the opportunity
for the church to firmly and faithfully declare the entrance of Jesus Christ
with our celebration of His Birth. It is
a day that many families hold as sacred for gathering together to share a meal
and enjoy one anothers company. And
clearly it is the pinnacle of the 12 Days of Christmas Song.
For today is in fact, the First Day of
Christmas. Hence, why today we end our
series with “A Partridge in a Pear
Tree”. We have throughout the
season of Advent learned of the connection with the Apostle’s Creed, the
faithful disciples, the law given by Moses, the fruits of the Spirit, the
blessed teachings of Jesus, the gifts of the Holy Spirit and our personal connection
with the days of creation. We have heard
of the history of man’s fall from grace, God’s answer in the Gospels, the
virtues of the Christian life and how the two testaments trace the history of
the promise of a Savior. And today we
are not only at the foot of the Christmas Tree, but the pinnacle. Today we hear and sing about Jesus Who is “A Partridge in a Pear Tree”.
Unlike most of the birds to be sung about
during the next 12 Days of Christmas, “A
Partridge in a Pear Tree” not only is about Jesus Christ, but
specifically how Jesus Christ was willing to be hung from a tree. This reference to “A Partridge in a Pear Tree” is of Jesus willingness to walk
to the Cross of Calvary for me and for you.
Yet, today since we heard and sung about Jesus appearance in the manger,
why do we jump 30+ years to Jesus death, by referencing the Cross.
There is a simple explanation, because
today is the one day we need to understand that this Baby Who was foretold in
sacred story, Who lies in the manger on the hay that was to feed the
livestock. This Child wrapped in
swaddling clothes that came into this world in a stable because there was no
room in the inn. This Child “A Partridge in a Pear Tree”. He is the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. He is the sacrificial lamb that comes in
order that we might have eternal life.
Today we gather to celebrate the Greatest
Gift of love, Jesus Christ, “A
Partridge in a Pear Tree”. Jesus
Christ came to offer Himself out of His great love for each and every one of
us. For it is Jesus Christ Who gives of
Himself willingly in order that we might have eternal life. Hence why we have the greatest opportunity to
remember for the next 12 Days the gifts God gives unto us, especially of His
Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ.
May our celebration today not stop with our
stockings hung by the chimney with care, nor on our porches for the goodies
left by friends, nor even in our mailboxes as we exchange Christmas greetings. May our celebration not end with the gifts
under the tree, but may each and every one of our hearts find true celebration
that represents the real reason for the season, our Lord and Savior, Jesus
Christ “A Partridge in a Pear Tree”. AMEN.
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