What If Christmas Doesn't Come

(This is not an original sermon, as I have gleaned from various writers and Pastors. I have adapted to my style and points in light of this Pandemic during this Advent Season)

TITLE: WHAT IF CHRISTMAS DOESN’T COME

SCRIPTURE: GALATIANS 4:19

We are a little under three weeks to the celebration of the birth of Christ. I look forward each year to the Advent Season and begin a series of presenting the Christmas message, and attempting to challenge us to think about God loving us so much that He would come into our world, become a part of our lives. I want us to consider this morning the thought - "What If Christmas Doesn’t Come." I know what you are thinking, because this should ‘naturally prompt the question’ -- "Do You Mean That It Is Possible For Christmas Not To Come?"

My answer is simply - YES, it is possible, for even with all the activities of the season, too often and for too many, when Christmas is over, we are no different than we were before. When Christmas really comes, it changes us - it makes a difference in our life. So, every year, for millions of people, Christmas never really comes.

• I'm not saying that DECEMBER. 25th doesn't come

• It comes, but Christmas doesn't really come into their hearts and their lives

• This will especially be true during this time of COVID-19

My prayer is somehow, this Christmas, god's spirit will come upon us and change us, and Christmas will really happen. I believe God has been moving us in this direction as we have lost so much of our freedom to move around - travel - visit, and others have dealt with severe health issues during this pandemic. God has challenged us not to be so spoiled and return to what is really important in this life. With that in mind, I have noted some things I want to share with you as we celebrate this Christmas season together and will continue this Advent Season and Preaching through Christmas Sunday. Ready or not - the Christmas season has come -- "The Christmas season is upon us."

• I believe because of this Pandemic many around the world needed a shot of Joy

• Because of the Pandemic and foolishness during this Presidential Election season, we needed something to turn our attention

• Therefore, Christmas decorations went up well before Thanksgiving

• Many on Social Media, including myself stated this is the earliest they have ever put up their Christmas Tree and Decorations because we needed some Joy

• Santa Claus started making his appearance at the malls earlier than usual, although behind Plexiglass and other protective Pandemic Barriers

• Newspapers nearly doubled in size because of all the advertisements they contained

In fact, it seems more attention is being given to the shopping habits of Americans on the day after Thanksgiving - we now call it "Black Friday" - than ever before. Both on TV and in our newspapers, there were pictures of people returning to the malls and shopping locally and downtown. During Thanksgiving week travel picked up but still less than previous years -

• 1.8 Million travelled by Air

• 40 Million travelled by Car

During this season, we are encouraged to buy things we can't afford - with money we don't have - to give to people we're not even sure we like. The commercial side of Christmas has really arrived. The social side of Christmas has begun, too. It's a festive time, a time for dressing up, going to parties, maybe not so many or at all this year as we are still attempting to be careful with our health and health of those we may encounter. We will still be enjoying ourselves with family and friends although much smaller scale this year. And as the Day approaches, many will travel, finding a way to get -- over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house we go. And for those who can't get there physically, we will be there if only in our dreams.

Christmas season has arrived in the Church, too. In the next few days, we will begin to see the beautiful decorations, and our windows decorated by families as well and we will lift our voices in song.

• Stockings will be filled

• Food baskets prepared

• Carolers singing

• A few special services celebrating the "Reason for the Season"

But will Christmas really come? -- oh, the earth will make its 359th revolution of the year and December 25th will come right on schedule. But will --

• Christmas really come?

• That's the question

• There are several things that have to happen before Christmas really does come in our hearts and in our lives