A NOT SO Picture Perfect Christmas

Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - ​Luke 1:28-35 (Luke 1:28-35 & 46-49; 2:19; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Matthew 1:21)

 

One of the traditions we enjoy at Christmas is setting out a nativity scene. We love the imagery—it reminds us of the very first Christmas. In the nativity, Mary stands smiling behind baby Jesus, Joseph looks on as a proud father, and the newborn Christ is wrapped neatly in swaddling clothes, resting perfectly in the manger. The animals, of course, gather around in peaceful stillness. But the truth is, the first Christmas didn’t look perfect at all. Mary could tell you that while our modern nativity scenes are beautiful, the reality she lived was far from picture perfect. And the same is true for us today. We smile in family photos, but those pictures rarely reveal the burdens, fears, pain, and heartbreak hidden behind our smiles. The good news is that Jesus was born for exactly those things—our pain, our fear, and our brokenness. He is the peace and joy that changes everything. Our lives may not be picture perfect, but we have the gift of Jesus, and He brings us hope.

  A NOT SO Picture Perfect Christmas   When life is not picture perfect... I. Know that you are not alone. II. Know that God has a plan. III. Trust God through it.   Illustration #1: Nativity scene   Illustration #2: Morgan Liuzzo and Peter Barker at Christmas (Picture-Perfect)   Illustration #3: Behind the scenes of Christmas (NOT SO Picture Perfect)   Illustration #4: Logan, Morgan and Jordan at Christmas (Picture Perfect)   Illustration #5: Logan, Morgan and Jordan at Christmas (NOT SO Picture Perfect)   Illustration #6: A Family at Christmas