Central Family,

“Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of GREAT JOY for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This child will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger (feeding trough).”

The second verse of ‘What Child Is This” begins; “Why lies he in such mean estate, where Ox and Ass are feeding?” What does ‘mean’ mean? Only in recent times has it come to be understood as “cruel” or “malicious.” Originally “mean” meant the middle, moderation, the absence of extremes. For Chaucer, “mean” was used for a go-between, a mediator. In the late Middle Ages, Jesus was spoken of as the “mean,” the Mediator between us and God.

‘Why lies he such mean estate?’ Our go-between, Jesus, is born to Mary and laid in a feeding trough. Why does Jesus lie down in the manger? Why does Jesus lay down his life on the Cross? Why does Jesus lie down in the tomb? In laying down his life Jesus becomes the “mean,” the “Mediator,” the “go-between” for you and me! This is the good news of GREAT JOY for all the people!

JOY! It’s what Jesus came to earth to give us. Consider the fruit of this joy: the joy of forgiveness, of healing, of mission, of new life, of radical adoption and inclusion in the family of God. So often we forget this, especially as we draw nearer to Christmas, when our joy is swamped by the pressure to feel happy about parties, pageants and presents under the Christmas tree. Authentic Christian joy, when you think about it, is both simpler and more significant than our culture’s Christmas happiness.

This Sunday at our Sanctuary worship experiences we will consider the GREAT JOY for all the people. Throughout the gospel of Luke, JOY emerges again and again;

• The Angels bring news of Great Joy (2:10)
• Jesus announces that his followers will leap for Joy (6:23)
• 70 Christ followers return from their mission with a misguided and mistaken joy (10:17)
• Joy is felt in heaven over one sinner who repents (15:7)
• And the apostles return to Jerusalem after the ascension, “with Great Joy.” (24:52)

In closing we know that Joy is born because God is radically generous and sends Jesus to lay down his life for you and me. Tis the season to give we say. In addition to the numerous opportunities to give this Sunday we are in need of ADDITIONAL PERSONS who are willing to sponsor a Christmas family. 42 families have already been adopted BUT we are aware of more of our neighbors who could be greatly blessed by Central this Christmas. If you are willing to help, please email Pastoral Associate, Sonja Dixon at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen!” (Eph 3:20-21)

I look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday!