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Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, December 22, 2021 -- THREE A Baby is Born Christmas messages from area Pastors The Perfect Gift A baby is born. Angels sing. Shepherds come running. Most of us know that story well, and our fondness for telling it has enlarged it in ways probably never intended by its original authors. Luke is brief: there’s Joseph, Mary, a child in a manger and some curious shepherds (who are the only ones to see angels that night). Matthew tells us elsewhere about a star and an unspecified number of wise men bearing gifts. But we’ve otherwise populated our nativity scenes with details the Bible doesn’t mention, filling in the gaps with donkeys, camels, an innkeeper, gently falling snow and maybe even a little drummer boy. But all that imaginative clutter might be crowding out the chief actor in this drama: God. The birth of Jesus (that is, Christmas) is God’s story, not a child’s tale. It’s a story of unquenchable love for us all, each one of us made in God’s image. It’s a love that persists in spite of our tendency to tarnish that image with selfishness, pride, greed and more. So, what’s a Creator to do when a creation made per- fect turns itself into a mess? God answered that question by stepping right into the middle of it. Instead of wash- ing his hands of us and starting over somewhere else, God chose to save us from ourselves in a most peculiar way—by becoming one of us, slipping into human skin inside the womb of a young girl in an obscure corner of this complicated world so that God in Jesus could teach and heal and show us what God’s love looks like. This is a love that stops at nothing to set things right again. No cost was too great---not the distress of a human birth in a place fit only for animals; not growing up to be the target of taunts and threats from the religious community; not being subjected to torture and death without cause; not lacking a place to lay his head until he was laid to rest in a stone-cold tomb (briefly). The world had never before encountered a love this costly and had done nothing to deserve the gift of God’s own self. But God gave it to us anyway, and as we begin to unwrap this gift by getting better acquainted with this reckless God, we’ll find so many other gifts waiting in- side: forgiveness, peace, hope, joy, love and the promise of life in God’s presence forever. That baby in the manger may be the smallest figure in the nativity scene but concealed inside is the largest gift we will ever receive: God with us. Emmanuel. Rev. Katy Anderson Hopeful Saints Ministry A Lutheran-Episcopal partnership 2 Corinthians 9:15, “Thanks be to God for his inde- scribable gift.” On one of my visits to Africa, I was privileged to witness the distribution of “Operation Christmas Child” shoeboxes to children. People from around the world fill these shoe boxes with toys and other items which are then sent and given to children in needy places. On the occasion of my visit, there were about two hundred children, all sitting in a big school yard, trying their best to be patient as they waited for all to be given their box, appropriate to their gender and age. Most of these children had never received a gift of any kind before, so imagine their excitement when they opened their boxes and dis- covered their own precious gifts. It was one of the most joyous scenes I’ve ever beheld. I’ve been giving a lot of thought to this matter of gift giving lately. I remember as a child how excited I was for Christmas in anticipation of opening my Christmas presents. Those days were long ago, and those gifts are but distant memories. Since then, I’ve received many gifts from family members and friends, some quite valuable and precious. But of all the gifts I’ve ever received, only one could be deemed “indescribable.” Some forty years ago I was given this gift. It came undeserved and unexpectedly. At the time, I knew I had need of it, but since then, I’ve come to understand, in a growing awareness of my own frailty, that I needed it much more than I then realized. Most gifts wear out over time, or they are replaced with something better or more suitable to our changing wants and needs, but this gift will never wear out. In fact, the more I examine it and make use of it, the more precious it becomes to me. The value and beauty of this gift is such that it only grows in its allure over time. The gift came to me at infinite cost to the giver, such is the largeness of his heart and read- iness to give good gifts to all. Since I received this gift, I’ve met countless others who have received it too. And regardless of age, gender or stature, they are all likewise incredibly grateful for being so immeasurably blessed. One day, I’ll meet the gift giver face to face. I’ve been told that I’ll marvel even more as new facets of the gift will be unveiled to me (2 Thessalonians 1:10). By now you’ve realized that I’m speaking of Jesus and salvation. He came into this world to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15) and He’s the indescribable gift spoken of 2 Corinthians 9:15. Salvation comes to us as a gift, freely given to those who put their trust in Him (Ephesians 2:8- 9). He gladly forgives and saves and transforms us and assures us of a future home in heaven. He, in His person, is the perfect gift. Have you trusted in Him for salvation? Last Sunday at St. Patrick Catholic Church, the chil- There is much joy to be had in receiving Him (John 1:12). dren presented a musical program entitled “Follow the Jerry Conklin Star.” There was a beautiful scene wherein a little girl Hospice Chaplain dressed like a star moved around the audience and other participants, leading the Magi and the shepherds to the little town of Bethlehem, to the place of Mary and Joseph. This was a wonderful first-Christmas story enactment I’m going to guess if you are like me, you could enjoyed by our parish community. And as I was reflecting use some good news. Daily we are bombarded with on a theme for this year’s Christmas message, I decided disappointments that range from canceled events, sick that the title should be “Follow the Star.” friends and family members, or just not being able to get On Christmas, we remember the magnanimity of something we believe we need, like out of stock molasses God, who shared His only son with humanity, a little babe (seriously, how can there be a shortage of such random bringing peace, joy and happiness to a suffering humanity. stuff?). I really needed that molasses to pour over my As I have explained before, just as the Father shared His fresh sourdough rolls, not that I’m still holding a grudge own Son with us and dispelled our gloom, sin, shame or anything. and suffering, so, too, we are called to dispel the gloom, Yes, the last two years have made it clear that this suffering and shame of others. For this we have a beau- world is filled with unfulfilled desires, crushed dreams tiful example in Mary, who prepared herself for the first and just downright misery. From the trivial to the direst of Christmas by sharing her joy with her cousin Elizabeth. circumstances we have seen collective disaster on a scale We, too, can thus prepare for Christmas, by sharing with I have never experienced. To leave you there would be an those in need, as the miracle of Christmas is the miracle unimaginable tragedy. However, hurt and brokenness are of sharing and reaching out. not the end of the story. There is more to this tale. God entered our human history as one of us when And the more, the oh, so much more, is the truth that Jesus came into the world. He was born in poor conditions God is near. God is near. He has come close to us. There in a country exploited by the mighty Roman Domination. is no better news than that. In fact, the truth that God has Mary, His mother, and Joseph, His foster father, suffered come near is what Christmas is all about. several hardships. The world we live in is perhaps in wors- Over and over again in the Bible, Jesus told his disci- ening conditions in spite of materialism and technological ples and the crowds that gathered, “The kingdom of God advancement: nuclear arms race, exploitation, corruption is near,” (Matthew 3:2 & 4:17; Mark 1:15; Luke 21:29). at all levels, evil habits, greed for power and wealth at Jesus was saying, He was trying to tell those who heard the cost of peace and justice especially of the poor. It is His voice, that God is close. Open your eyes and see, God to this world that the Babe of Bethlehem cries out as He has come close to you. In fact, in the case of those who did through the angels on the first Christmas night: “Peace were listening to Jesus, God was standing right in front to men of Good Will.” Good will, therefore, is the first of them in a human body, in the person Jesus. condition for peace and, hence, for the celebration of a I want you to stop for a moment and think. Can you Merry Christmas. Good will between husband and wife, imagine something? I want you to entertain the idea that between parents and children, between the rich and the the God who created all things, who fashioned the stars poor, between teachers and students, between officers in the sky, and carved the gorge with His finger, and and their subordinates, etc. Only through goodwill can made the sun to light the day…this same being has come our actions, however simple and humble they may be, near enough for you to see and hear His voice. Can you give glory to God. believe this could be true? It is true. And even more, it As the angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest is also true that today, He is calling you by name saying, and peace to men of good will,” what comes to my mind “I am near you.” during this Christmas is God reaching out to humanity, This is wonderful news. This is news that smashes and the searching humanity finding the Babe in a little the chains of despair and gloom this world serves up to us manger. The special STAR attracted the Magi to the every day. The news that God is near you has the power manger, the shepherds, too, to the crib – the learned to change your life forever. and the ignorant – everyone who looked out for Him. Maybe this holiday. Maybe this Christmas you would Through our little deeds of kindness and generosity let’s be willing to open the eyes of your heart to the truth that also become STARS and spread the Christmas Joy and the nearness of God was manifest in a manger in a little Peace to all around us. town called Bethlehem. Maybe, just maybe you could Fr. Thankachan Joseph even see that the nearness of God is manifest today in St. Patrick Catholic Church a little town called Heppner. God has come near to you. Would you come near to Him? Pastor Tripp Finch Willow Creek Baptist Church Follow the Star God is Near Print & Mailing Services *Design *Print *Mail Sykes Publishing 541-676-9228 20% off Montana Silversmith Jewelry Morrow County Grain Growers Green Feed & Seed Heppner - 242 W Linden Way - 541-676-9422 WWW.HEPPNER.NET Submit News, Advertising & Announcements Letters To The Editor Send Us Photos Start A New Subscription Christmas Traditions So, what are your Christmas traditions? Even if our tradition is to join Ebenezer Scrooge and mutter, “Bah! Humbug!,” we still have them. I have never had a chestnut roasted over an open fire. I tried wassail once and didn’t much care for it. Eggnog is good, but one cup does me for a year. More up our alley is a tree with white lights, a creche on the mantel and cookies out for Santa…butter spritz cookies, to be exact. Santa has definite tastes. Most of us spend a lot of time trying to live up to the expectations of our Christmas traditions. Lights go up on the house, usually (for whatever reason) on the first miserably wet and cold day right after Thanksgiving. The traditional Christmas meal schedule is organized – who will host this year, who will bring what and will it be cheesecake or pecan pie for dessert. And a flurry of emails goes back and forth as Christmas gifts are bought; trying to figure out which grandkid has which Lego set. It is a busy season. And it is a far cry from what the season is meant to be. Over the centuries we have turned it into an extravaganza of parties, gatherings, gifts, decora- tions, songs and glitter. But what it was meant to be was a simple recognition that we are not alone, that Emmanuel: God is with us. Simple message…simple birth. Jesus was not born in a palace. And while the shep- herds got the word from the angels, there wasn’t a whole lot of singing in Bethlehem that night. Any celebrations going on were in the inns, while a pregnant woman about to give birth was relegated to a barn. Not much compas- sion given to the Prince of Peace and the future champion of compassion. What this means for all of us is simply this: Enjoy the festivities, but never lose sight of why we have the festivities. It is good to enjoy the season and have a good time, but good times were not why Jesus came to the world. Jesus came to show us a better way, even if a sometimes sacrificial way, to live. Jesus came not so we could have fun, but so that we could have fulfillment. And that fulfillment of life would, in turn, bring a richer sense of joy to our entire life than simply a seasonal happiness. Nothing wrong with the gatherings, the pecan pie, the Legos and the merriment. We should just never lose sight of what the season is all about. As trite as it sounds, we should always remember “the reason for the season.” Everything else is, well, Christmas gravy. Have a Blessed Christmas. Rev. Jim Monroe and The Heppner United Methodist Church Churches to hold Christmas services The schedule for Christmas at Hopeful Saints Ministry (Lutheran and Episcopal) begins at 7 p.m. on December 24 to include worship with lessons, car- ols, candles and commu- nion. On December 26 at 10 a.m. they will present Old and New Testament readings about the promise of a savior and sing more Christmas carols. The Willow Creek Baptist Church will hold a candlelight Christmas Eve service at 5:30 p.m. at the church at 560 Minor Street in Heppner. This will be a brief candlelight service filled with joy, Scripture readings and even live mu- sic. They will also be hav- ing regularly scheduled ser- vices on Sunday, December 26 beginning at 10 a.m. All are welcome. All of their services are available live online at https://www.face- book.com/wcbcheppner. Justice Court Report Morrow County Justice of the Peace, Glen Diehl, has released the following Justice Court report: -Kaleb G. Tate, 30, Ione, was convicted of failure to drive within lane, fine $265; and failure to report an accident to law enforcement, fine $440. -Brandon T. Peck, 25, Ione, was convicted of violation of basic rule, fine $165. -Aaron A. Lester, 25, Heppner, was convicted of expired license plates, fine $115. -McKenzie Kennedy, 31, Heppner, was convicted of violation of basic rule, fine $165. Valby Lutheran Church Valby Road Ione Oregon. 97843 Church Services 1st & 3rd Sundays 10:00 AM Available for: Weddings • Funerals Family Events 541-422-7300 Old Country Church All Are Welcome
