In 1986, Debbie and I made our first move as a married couple – to Guam. It was to be my second Navy duty station. It was pre-described to us as a “poor man’s Hawaii”. It was truly as beautiful as we imagined Hawaii to be, yet a little more – primitive.  The natives, or Chamorros, were the nicest people you could hope to meet.  Every weekend there was a fiesta in one of the villages. You didn’t need an invitation. Just show up and be fed.

A few months into our tour there, I was told that my band unit would be going to, among other ports of call, Perth/Fremantle, Australia — over Christmas.  Upon conveying this wonderful news to my bride of just two years, her response was: “Okay, then I’m going back to Mom and Dad’s”.  She had already had enough of our delightful little island paradise.

So yes, on Christmas Day, I was in the land down under. On the ship, I had taken the opportunity to sign up to be hosted by a local family. I was picked up at the pier by an Irish immigrant family. They had two teenage sons and a twelve-year-old daughter. They had even bought presents for me. We went to the beach on Christmas Day. For this native Floridian, that wasn’t much of a stretch! It was an unusual setting, of course, but for me it held just as much meaning as a future New England Christmas with snow.  Even on the other side of the world, far from any family for the first time, Christ had come.

I am certain that for each of you, every Christmas has had its one peculiarity. Sometimes home, sometimes not. With loved ones or grieving the loss of one. It is not necessary to remember all the details.  It is the same with THE story.  Matthew’s and Luke’s renditions vary slightly, as yours and mine do. Different experiences of the same astonishing, incredible news: unto us a Savior is born. God’s universal plan of salvation is a gift to us at all times and in all places. Wouldn’t it be nice to convey the joyful memories to all who are downtrodden? Whether or not there is any good news in our lives, this story remains to bring us peace, hope and joy. We give thanks today for a God who loves us unconditionally.

Pastor Art
Posted on Christmas Day 2018