After retrieving our eternally fresh plastic Christmas tree from the garage, I always know what my daughter is going to ask. "Dad, how long will have the Christmas tree in the living room". I reply, "we'll see, you know how it goes". Sometimes it stands there until February. Other times, the tree sits there until Easter. I wonder why? Yes, it's not a fire hazard. Yes, it will not wilt and grow old. But maybe there is something more that desires to keep the tree up just a little longer.

As the world is turning the page quickly to the New Year, they ponder the goals, the hopes and all the possibilities of what is to come. And yes, we too are caught in pondering the next things. But let us take the time to remember the words of Mary as she heard all that the shepherds had heard and witnessed from the angel of the Lord...

"Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger" Luke 2:10-12 ESV

When the shepherds hastily went to Bethlehem to discover the meaning of these words, they found the baby wrapped lying in a manger. With great joy, the shepherds proclaimed all that had been told to them concerning the Christ.

"But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart" Luke 2:19 ESV

As the carols have been sung, the presents opened and all the decorations being put away for the next Christmas, what shall we do now? As the world is saying, "next!", it is such an important time to ponder: to think about Christmas and dwell upon the meaning that our Savior was born. Reflect upon the story of His birth, and treasure in your heart what this truly means for you.

Sent by the Father, Jesus came to you in flesh and blood so that He could die in your place. Even in our sin and every frailty, it is our merciful Lord who died and rose so that by His gracious work we are given eternal life, forgiveness and salvation. And as Mary treasured the eternal significance of the Christ, we too, rejoice in the Gospel to all eternity!

So, if you have a plastic tree, keep it up a little longer. You never know, it may serve as a reminder of all the treasured things that the Lord brings in our Savior Jesus Christ.

May you all have a blessed New Year!

✝️ Pastor Jeong

The full newsletter can be found here:
http://www.faithmoorpark.com/files/pdf/2020/2020-01-Newsletter.pdf