At our Christmas Eve Service last night the pastor talked about a “Muddled Christmas”.  A “muddled” is one where one or more important things don’t go correctly.  The picture I posted is obviously showing the cook is aghast at the appearance of her turkey as it roasts in the oven.  The point of Christmas is that its true meaning and purpose still happens even when:

• Our menu is messed up somehow.
• Our gifts are not wrapped and sent on time.
• Our Christmas cards are sent late.
• Or when any meaningful element of our celebration is somehow not up to our expectations for it.

The reason a “muddled” Christmas is okay is that no matter what flaws arise in our plans and preparations Jesus is still born to fulfill God’s plan.  Through Christ we still have forgiveness of sin and guarantee of eternal life with God.

Many times I encounter families who find they are in less than ideal situations as Christmas approaches.  One of the most difficult scenarios is when a loved one has died or is declining toward death on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.  To make myself clear, I do not consider this a minor challenge.  It also is a challenge that God will help us meet.  The promises that God makes to us about salvation and our place in the heavenly kingdom are still true and we can depend on them.  By offering family members love and support all of us can help them shoulder the emotional burden they face and remind them of their faith and what it promises.

I was thankful to have this reminder in worship that Christmas can be perfect even when our preparations for it fail to meet our expectations and desires.  That is because Jesus Christ lives today!  Amen.