Reflections with Andy – Luke 2: 1-21 – Christmas in July 

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We look at a passage today that I know you’ve heard preached a thousand times. We’ll look at the Christmas story as told to us by Luke. This is the one that we are probably all most familiar with. There is so much that we can unpack today, from what the shepherds were doing to the reason for the census. In Christmas, God came near. Through Christmas, God became flesh and dwelt among us. He incarnated the world. Today, as the church, that’s our job as well. To bring God near. To incarnate our work, our school, wherever we are. Through the Spirit, we bring God near today!

Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our

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Good morning. It’s good to be with you on this Tuesday as we continue our journey through Luke’s Gospel. I wasn’t able to record Rooted from the office yesterday, so you’re getting the early morning edition—complete with the potential for a guest appearance by Rocket the dog.

Today, we come to one of the most beloved passages in all of Scripture: the birth of Jesus. We’ll be reading Luke 2:1–21, a story so familiar that we often hear it read by Linus in A Charlie Brown Christmas. But as always, let’s read it today with fresh eyes.

The Birth of Christ (Luke 2:1–21)

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered… Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem… He went to be registered with Mary… While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger…

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them… “Do not be afraid,” the angel said. “I bring you good news of great joy… To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord…”

When the angels left, the shepherds went to see the child and shared what had been told to them. Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. On the eighth day, he was named Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived.

The God Who Comes Near

There’s so much beauty in this story. Jesus’ birth fulfills promises from centuries before. Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem to be registered, fulfilling the prophecy of Micah. The angels proclaim the birth of the Savior not to royalty or the elite—but to shepherds. And it’s no accident that these shepherds were likely keepers of the temple flocks, raising the lambs that would be sacrificed in Jerusalem.

It’s as if God is saying:

“The ones tending the old covenant sacrifices are the first to hear of the new covenant.”

Only God could tie it together so perfectly.

But what stands out most today is the miracle of the Incarnation—God becoming flesh. As John’s Gospel puts it:

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14)

In Jesus, God is no longer distant or veiled. God comes near—tangible, visible, knowable. He walks among us, eats with us, weeps with us, heals, teaches, and loves. And in his life, death, and resurrection, we see the very heart of God.

Incarnating Christ Today

And now, through the gift of the Holy Spirit, we—you and I—are called to be the body of Christ in the world. That’s what the Church is: the ongoing presence of Jesus on earth. Just as Christ came to dwell among us, we are called to bring God near to the people around us.

Are our communities different because we’re in them?
Would our neighborhoods feel our absence if we were no longer there?
Are we carrying the presence of Christ into our workplaces, classrooms, and families?

As a pastor, I’ve experienced the beauty of this in small towns. I remember in Ripley, some of my most meaningful ministry came not just from the pulpit, but by walking the courthouse square with my coffee, visiting with neighbors, showing up, being present. That’s incarnation. That’s living among people. That’s bringing God near.

And it’s not just for pastors. It’s for teachers, businesspeople, nurses, parents—all of us.

The Everyday Christmas Mission

Christmas isn’t confined to December 25.
Every day is a day for incarnation.

We’re called to embody Christ wherever we go:

  • To live lives of grace and peace.
  • To be present in our communities.
  • To bring hope to those in darkness.

So let’s make sure people see Jesus—not just in what we say, but in how we live, love, serve, and give.

Today’s Reflection

  • Where has God placed you to incarnate His presence?
  • How can you help someone around you experience Christ today?
  • What might change if we approached each day as “Christmas” in the spiritual sense—God with us, God through us?

Thanks for being with me this morning. Tomorrow, we’ll continue in Luke 2 and see what happens next as Jesus is presented at the temple. Until then, may the light of Christ shine through you today.

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