12/19/23 A MOST MEMORABLE CHRISTMAS

12/19/23 A MOST MEMORABLE CHRISTMAS

I have mentioned this before...

But first let me set the stage.
I like old movies. Sometimes I even enjoy musicals. And, yes, I watch some Hallmark Movies and some Hallmark Christmas movies. I like stories with meaning and happy endings.

I realize that there is seldom a theatrical production about Christmas that actually addresses the true meaning of Christmas. Mostly the focus is on family, children, love, restoration, overcoming obstacles and the triumph of the human spirit in the face of tragedy, and all without Jesus. But what do you expect from the unregenerate?

Now, to the reason for this post...
I have mentioned this before. One of my favorite Christmas memories happened about nineteen years ago.
I was pastor in Tennessee at the time. I also was serving as Chaplain in the Transport for Christ Ministry (a 24/7 ministry to OTR truckers, located in truck stops across the country). I served two to three days a week at one of the busiest truck stops in the nation. There was an OTR trailer converted into a Chapel. Usually I would go into Knoxville on Thursday and return home for services on Sunday, however, I would rearrange my schedule to relieve fellow ministers, when there was a holiday (such as Christmas). I ministered to the truck stop workers, the travelers, the transients and of course to the truck drivers. I would hand out tracks, counsel, teach, answer questions, witness and evangelize.

It was a wonderful ministry. I had some wonderful co-workers, a great truck stop staff, met some really fine people, and some really needy people as well. We gave material assistance as well as spiritual ministry.

The Chapel had a small sleeping quarters and a larger meeting room. I have always been quick to wake up and when someone would come into the Chapel in the wee hours of the morning I would get up and minister to them.

One Christmas Eve I was on duty. My wife Martha and our daughter Joanna (who was single and still living at home) went with me. We visited with some of the truck stop staff, shared with some of the truckers and then we went to the truck stop restaurant for supper. Joanna had her guitar, so Martha, Joanna and I went table to table singing Christmas songs to the Christmas travelers, taking requests and wishing them a Merry Christmas. You could see the joy and appreciation on their faces. It really was a Hallmark moment. It was special beyond words.

Sadly while we were there, one of the truck stop personnel approached some folks at a table. The message they brought was heart breaking. A loved one had just had an automobile accident. (I believe their loved one was killed). I went over and talked with them and had prayer.

I have often prayed that our presence that night helped those folks look to Christ.

Sometimes Hallmark moments come and go. The only real hope for a good ending to a story is when people are surrendered to Jesus.

I know there will be many this season who are a million miles away from loved ones, even if they just live around the corner.

See, the reason for the season is reconciliation and living a life of love.

Without the essentials of salvation, it is just an empty, hopeless time of a passing celebration. The true meaning of Christmas is not the tinsel and paper or parties and packages. It is the presence of Jesus in a surrendered life.

People can be just around the corner, but still be millions of miles away. But in Christ, there is no separation. There is love, there is continuity, there is peace on earth and good will to men.

There is no Christmas without Christ. He must be at the center of our celebration, but more importantly He must be at the center of our relationships and of our own life.