It’s that time of the year again. My favorite time of the year. I love the decorated tree glowing in the corner. I love the smells - apple cider simmering on the stove, maybe with a stick of cinnamon peering out; hot chocolate after a chilly evening of caroling (or really, anytime at all); the fir garlands strewn about the house; the peppermint of the candy canes. I love singing the old carols. The lights adorning any and every surface inside and out thrill me. It warms my heart to see people who don’t get along very well making a valiant attempt to do so. I love the decorations, loaded with memories, lifted carefully from the box once again to grace the house with their festive spirit. I even love the sound of the Salvation Army bell! To me, none of this ever gets old.
But what I love more than any of those things is The Story. So much gripping narrative packed into just a few chapters of the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, telling of the birth of Jesus. The angel Gabriel’s busy year, making announcements to both Elizabeth and Mary regarding their miraculous pregnancies. Mary’s awful sacrifice - knowing she was innocent but thought a sinner by all her family and friends and indeed, the entire region. Joseph’s emotional rollercoaster - devastation at the news of Mary’s pregnancy, relief after being informed of the truth, and finally the awful realization that everyone would naturally think either 1) he was the father and therefore a sinner or 2) he was marrying a sinner. The discomfort and stress involved in the journey to Bethlehem, Mary almost to term. The crowds everywhere due to the census and the corresponding lack of lodging. The desperation to find a place to shelter and possibly the near-panic as Mary’s labor began. Those rough shepherds “abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” The host of angels appearing to the terrified shepherds in the middle of the night, by the blazing light of the glory of God. The shepherds striding boldly into Bethlehem asking everyone they encountered where was the new baby and then afterward telling everyone they met about their heavenly encounter. And eight days later, the meeting in the Temple with the two faithful old servants of God, Simeon and Anna.
Maybe you’re not as thrilled as I am about this Christmas. Perhaps it has been a painful year of loss for you, and you are focused on simply climbing slowly, excruciatingly, out of the dark. Or maybe you’ve suffered the horrible grind of watching a loved one fade slowly away, knowing you can’t do a thing to stop it. Or you’ve watched in helpless frustration as a loved one has self-destructed. Maybe shattered relationships and regret have crushed your spirit. Possibly the ones you love are far away and the loneliness you feel threatens to overwhelm you. Perhaps the continual diet of corruption and atrocity you’re exposed to on the evening news has numbed your optimism.
And The Story has lost a bit of its shine for you!
Wayne Watson wrote and sang a song back in the early ‘90s called Say It All Again. Here are a few lines of that song:
“From creation days, to the tales of kings
To the baby born Messiah, something deep inside me clings
So say it all again. Same old story, same old lines
I have heard it all before, but say it over one more time
It will warm my frozen heart, so say it all again.”
We live in a fallen world, filled with pain and the constant fight against sin. But be encouraged! God sent His Son into the world to win the battle against sin and set us free! And one day every wrong will be made right. The pain of loss and loneliness will disappear forever. If you don’t have personal relationship with God, please talk to me as soon as possible. I’ll be happy to lead you closer to Him.
So, if you’re struggling to get into the Christmas spirit this year, I understand. Can I make a suggestion, though? Consider reading Matthew 1,2 and Luke 1,2 again. Marvel once more at this incredible story – God came to earth to redeem us from the mess we’ve made. No other story in the history of mankind rivals that one. It’s sure to warm your frozen heart.
Listen to the audio version
About the author:
Brad Snyder, Senior Ministry Director
office@hannaford.org
406-449-2273
Brad received a degree in Biology Education long ago from Liberty University and another in Biology from Montana State University almost as long ago. The first twenty years of his career he worked with young people in various capacities. The second twenty years were spent with the Social Security Administration. Recently retired, Brad looks forward to the challenges of a new ministry. He feels that seniors are a vital part of the church Body and though he has only recently crossed the threshold of “senior-dom,” he trusts that God can use Him to help seniors build a stronger relationship with God and stronger relationships with others. The senior years are accompanied by unique challenges, and Brad hopes to be able to come alongside seniors to pass along God’s hope and encouragement.
Brad and his wife Erin began attending Hannaford in November 2019. They have three grown children and two grandchildren (and a third due Spring 2026).
