A Christmas Message from Pastor Debner

Dear Saints at Zion Lutheran

Merry Christmas!

How I wish that I could be with you this Christmas in body, I must however be content to be with you in spirit, as our family grieves the death of Duane Hanna, Barbara’s father. He was killed in a car accident and his funeral service is Christmas Eve morning. I wish to thank everyone for their concern, prayers and comforting thoughts. Our family will be alright, for now we must simply walk through the rituals that will allow us time to grieve and say our goodbyes to a man we loved. I’m so very grateful to pastors Rod and Will who will shepherd you through the Christmas worship services as well as Vicar Olsen. I long to be with you, but this is where I need and must be at this time.

Last night as we were flying to Iowa, I looked out the window and saw once again a view of the world that the angels saw that night long ago in Bethlehem. From 18,000 feet everything on earth is viewed with a different perspective. Certainly earthly things seem smaller.  I thought about how the angels first flew to the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus. And here I was flying, much like the angels, to not a birth but a death. Then I realized our family in Iowa was gathering to celebrate a life and a birth in heaven. For once again we hear with all of you the message of the angels, “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy…”

Tonight and tomorrow we listen to the beholding parts of our faith.

Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy

Behold the Lamb of God.

Behold I stand at the door and knock.

Behold, this is my son with whom I am well pleased.

Behold, he is not here, he has risen from the dead.

This Christmas God will be holding us and may God be holding you as well, for this is the season to behold God’s love and to be held in our faith.

Behold—God is with us and that is the greatest gift that we can celebrate this Christmas.

 

Merry Christmas,

Pastor Jim