By Pastor Mike McVey
Minister – First Methodist Church, Fairfield
ACS Chaplain – United State Coast Guard, Station Galveston

This past Sunday evening I was sitting in my easy chair in front of a roaring fire, all while listening to Mannheim Steamroller Christmas albums.  I watched as my eighteen-month-old daughter walked up to our Christmas tree and plucked ornaments from the bottom.  She would stare at them with wonder and then bring them up to show me with a huge grin on her face.

Everything is new for her this year; the lights, the tree, and the music, it is all fresh in her eyes.  She loves to pull ornaments off the tree, shake the snow globes, and point at the decorations and smile.  All the while leaving a trail of Christmas mayhem behind her!

It has been a long time since I have been able to see this Season with an innocent, fresh set of eyes.  As a Pastor, oftentimes, I become so busy with the planning, executing and the completion of church Christmas traditions that everything just passes me by.  But God has placed this little child in my life to give me an awakened sense of appreciation for the Season and a little bit of the wonder and magic has returned.

God sent a child to us all for the very same reason.  The prophet Isaiah wrote, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.”  Jesus Christ’s whole purpose is to save mankind from the depths of despair that is the hopelessness of this fallen world.  He takes something that is broken and in pieces, making it whole and beautiful.

This Christmas Season can still be a time of newness and childlike wonder if we simply embrace the glory that is Christ Jesus.  If we truly believe in the Risen Lord than this time of year should always amaze us and surprise us.  What could be more surprising that God himself coming to earth to dwell alongside creation?  How astonishing is that fact!

My friends take some time this Christmas to embrace the wonder and joy that is this time of year.  Embrace the celebration of Christ’s introduction to our world.  Who know, maybe this year you will be surprised at how amazing God can be.

Happy First week of Advent!

Pastor Mike McVey
(P.S.  If you would like contact or receive Pastor Mike’s weekly newsletter simply email him at pastormike@fumcfairfield.org)