Millions have been talking about it now for weeks, maybe even months…the next installment of Star Wars, “The Force Awakens”. Maybe, as you read this, you were one of the first to see it in the theaters. Now I have to be honest…I am looking forward to seeing this movie. There’s talk that this movie will be the largest grossing movie of all time, hmmmmmm. Maybe. But another story has attracted the attention of millions upon millions of individuals and it, too, is a cosmic spectacular that has “played” to large throngs of people year after year and it will again this year…and the year after…and the year after that…and so on. You know the story… “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, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “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 will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
The angels came to the shepherds on that hillside a long time ago and in 7 days we will retell this same story. The question is whether the story has become just a story or does it carry the same cosmic impact it did over 2000 years ago. Are you just looking forward to Christmas or, is the “force” of Christmas what not only carries you into the celebration but guides you throughout the year? May the “force” be with you!
First Pres Joliet 
December 18, 2015 at 10:25 am
Love the Star Wars reference. It is also a perfect title to use as a metaphor, The Force Awakens. There will come a time when “The Force” will make a second coming, and will rid all the galaxies of darkness forever.