Christmas message - Zion Lutheran Church, Wangaratta

When we think of signs from God we can get confused.

Have you prayed, ‘God just show me a sign’ or ‘I’d believe if God would show himself’? 

The people of Jesus’ time often came to him for a sign hoping to see big flashing displays of power, like the angels appearing to the shepherds.

When we hear things like that at Christmas, we wonder why doesn't this happen now, where's the sparks, the lights the glory?

But that's us looking for a billboard, God knows we need a sign. 

We may never see great displays of angels and light, they were just the messengers, pointing to an enduring sign, a baby, in a manger.

What kind of a sign is this baby? What does it point to? Where does it lead us?

In a humble little cattle shed, God himself comes to live with his people and never leave.

Here is your God, your creator, all his authority, power and glory put aside to share our life while sharing his with us.

From the manger to the cross, rising again and ascending to heaven. He did it all for us.

This little baby is the sign for the whole world pointing to heaven.

By him we descend in the waters of baptism and are reborn as God's children, valued and loved. 

Glory be to Jesus, born to reign forever!