Turning on the nightly news has been a great chore to say the least. Sitting together on the couch, we watch the news and as the current events are presented, this question seems to arise every single night. “Will there ever be any good news?”. From the pandemic, to natural disasters and the latest crime blotter, the news has become a broken record of bad news.

It has been a difficult year in so many different ways. The physical toil and the mental struggle of the lockdown has caused great affliction. Our pattern of living has been uprooted by this crisis that has affected the whole world. Even more alarming is the speculation that [like thanksgiving], Christmas must be cancelled. Again, “will there ever be any good news?”

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for He will save people from their sins” Matthew 1:21

No one cancels God and His promises. Rather, by His grace, mercy and compassion, our Lord fulfills His promises by the sending of His Son, Jesus Christ. Through all the suffering and terror of our time, the Gospel has brought to us the good news of great joy.

“And the angels said to them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” Luke 2:10-11

“Will there ever be any good news?” Of course! It is a time to celebrate the incarnation of our Lord. Though we are all like sheep who have gone astray – everyone turning to their own way [Is 53:6], it is our Lord who graciously comes to us.

“And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger” Luke 2:12

Though many signs point to great disappointment and despair, our Lord has given the greatest sign. Wrapped in swaddling cloths, our Lord’s grace mercy and peace is found in the manger. For this babe from Bethlehem would be the one who would save the world from the sting of sin, death and the power of the devil.

This Christmas, our church will be offering an outdoor Christmas Eve Service at 4:30pm. We will also have our regular 10am outdoor service for Christmas Day.

So come and rejoice as we celebrate the birth of our Savior! See you there!

Blessings in Christ,
✝️ Pastor Jeong

The full newsletter can be found here:
https://www.faithmoorpark.com/files/pdf/2020/2020-12-Newsletter.pdf