We try to create for ourselves a “Hallmark Moment” each year around Christmas.
The Yule log is in the fireplace.
The family is gathered to sing Christmas carols by the fireplace.
Stocking are hung by the chimney with care.
Christmas dinner is on the table.
The Christmas tree adorns the corner of the house.
Then reality kicks in and real life makes an appearance.
This sermon was preached a few days after the tragic mass murder that took place in Newtown, CT.
It remembers the CRAP that filled the stable…the grief of Rachel weeping…the poverty of Jesus family. These are all a part of the Advent/Christmas tradition – and that offers the possibility of hope and peace and joy. Because in the midst of the mess of our lives, God comes to us as one of us to walk with us. God in Jesus is Immanuel – which means: “God with Us!”
Please click this hyperlink now to watch “A White Washed Stable!” The sound quality is a little poor, so you’ll need to turn the volume up to the max when you listen.
This sermon was preached at the Patterson Avenue Baptist Church
The Ultimate Vacation Collection (National Lampoon’s Vacation / Vegas Vacation / European Vacation / Christmas Vacation)
publisher: Warner Home Video
ASIN: B001U3ZYWU
EAN: 0883929069132
sales rank: 738
price: $24.96 (new)
National Lampoons Vacation: The Griswold family drives cross-country with an awesome tankful of laughter thanks to three comedy pros: star Chevy Chase, writer John Hughes and director Harold Ramis.
National Lampoons European Vacation: Europe wont survive Chevy Chase and American family vacationers. Howl as they trigger chaos all over a continent in a gutbusting sequel matching the original in both high and low humor.
National Lampoons Christmas Vacation: Make merry as the Griswolds including a pack of rib-tickling relatives played by an ensemble of comedy favorites strive to gift-wrap the “perfect Christmas” in the series most successful and enduring entry.
Vegas Vacation: Hit the comedy jackpot with the Griswolds when their next stop is Las Vegas and the jokers are at their wildest as goofy Cousin Eddie and an amorous Wayne Newton get caught up in the hilarious hijinks.
