And certainly you have heared another story, the Christmas Truce. In 1914, during World War I, the British and Germans were engaged on the Western Front. On Christmas Eve night, the Germans decorated their trenches with candles. The Brits responded by singing carols. After a while, the two sides met in the middle and actually exchanged gifts and ate and drank together. What a strange moment in history. In between the days of these folk trying to kill each other, they enjoyed each others company. Strange indeed, but wonderful to imagine.

We have stories that include Christmas. A special present. Uncle Harry's antics. Aunt Martha's fruit cake. We remember our friends and relatives and even tell stories about them. I remember my Uncle George, who lived in Franklin Park. He earned a Purple Heart in World War II.

He told a couple of stories about being nearly killed, and I was amazed to listen to him. He was such a fun man to be around. I remember cousins and foods and people and times gone by. Sometimes I tell stories about these times to my son. What are some stories you could tell about Christmas time gone by?

Have you heard this following story? I am sure you have. But it bares repeating.

From the dawn of civilization, humankind yearned for something more. Drawings on cave walls pointed to a "beyond." The search for significance and meaning began with the birth of humanity. God was interested that his creatures come to know the Creator. There was and is more to life than what is seen. So God began to reach. His game plan was to start with a particular couple (Abraham and Sarah) and a particular people. He would begin to teach them. There is significance beyond the daily routine and grind. Through commandment and prophet, through whirlwind and silence, we began to catch the reality of a living God.

The reality of a living God moved into people's hearts. Daniel would not bow down to an earthly king and was thrown into a firey furnace. Esther would not let her people be exterminated, and she risked her life. Prophets were ridiculed and thrown into pits, but they kept speaking God's word. Sometimes God's people would drift, but revival would come and they would return to their God, with joy and prayer and singing. But how could it be that we would really come to know this real and living God?

God's plan continued to unfold. We needed to see God. He needed to experience our life. Heaven hushed. Angels held their breath. God came to earth. Behind the inn. Under a star. Shepherds and wise men. Mary and Joseph. God in the flesh.

And so, the story goes, God came to earth and walked a mile in our shoes. He showed the way. But his way became a threat, so Jesus was crucified. The babe of Bethlehem became the criminal on a cross. Still part of the plan. Everything that keeps people from life and hope, all that is sordid and unseemly, was put on the heart of Jesus. Why? It is the same story. By faith, our trust in Christ releases us from all that is dark and sinful and lonely, and allows us to know the living God, deep inside us. The same story: God wants to reach us, to inhabit us, to fill us, to be our God.

I have this prayer and hope for you. Amidst dreary economic news, swine flu, personal challenges and transitions, I hope you can hear the story. God did not wind up the universe like an alarm clock and then go away. God remains actively involved in this world and in our lives. In your life. Hear the story. Hear the story of God who pursues us. Sing the hymns. Decorate the tree. Remember the stories of hearth and home. And remember that when we could care less about God, he loved us and came for us and died for us. He is our God and our Friend. He was born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried. He rose from the dead. The story of your life is important to God. You are important to this God. That is what God's story is all about: YOU!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Pastor Brad

Happy Holidays to all! Christmas is a magical time of year. Sometimes the ground is white and everything is covered with a beautiful glow. The trees are glistening in the sunlight and everything seems special. Yes, I know, I don’t like to shovel it or drive in it either, but it sure looks pretty when we are at home and looking out our windows.

At our November congregational meeting, we approved our budget for 2010. The council and budget committee have worked hard to keep expenses at a minimum and still recognize the people who do so much for us on a daily basis. Please remember, your time and talents are just as important to St. Paul's as your weekly donation.

I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season. I hope to see everyone in the pews during the Advent season. Nothing helps more to get into the spirit then attending a holiday worship service at St. Paul's.

Thank you to Sax-Tiedemann for donating ten Chrysanthemum plants for All Saints' Sunday honoring members and friends who passed away this year.

Thank you to everyone who donated hats, gloves, mittens and scarves to The Night Ministry for distribution to homeless teens in Chicago. Your generosity in these difficult economic times is greatly appreciated