It’s easy to get distracted this time of year. The parties, the decorations, the presents: sensory overload can numb us to the occasion for the festivities.

The accoutrements of Christmas are not, in and of themselves, the problem. To the contrary, if seen in the right light, the pomp of Christmastide serves as a joyous pointer to the birth of Christ. The problem isn’t with the pointers, but with us. I love C. S. Lewis’s illustration:

You will have noticed that most dogs cannot understand pointing. You point to a bit of food on the floor; the dog, instead of looking at the floor, sniffs at your finger. A finger is a finger to him, and that is all. His world is all fact and no meaning.

How often we can be like Lewis’s dog at Christmas—marveling at the new TV, savoring the homemade eggnog, and yet failing to revel in the present behind the presents: the incarnation of the Son of God. Our readings and hymns this Sunday will contextualize the season for us.

An example of this contextualization is actually found each week in our liturgy when a deacon reads the appointed Gospel reading from the center of the sanctuary. It’s a tactile reminder of exactly what we’re celebrating at Christmas. Jesus announced the good news of the kingdom not from a distance but on the ground, in flesh, among his people. Not counting equality with God a thing to be grasped, Jesus stepped down from his rightful throne in heaven. He came among us, eating with tax collectors and sinners.

He came not to be served but to serve—Jesus, the true deacon. This Sunday we will hear the voice of Christ announce good news. This voice pierces through the cacophony of holiday activity. His words reshape and reorient the festivities, giving new definition and meaning to our mirth. I hope you can join us this Sunday!

Guy+ Delcambre gives an annual ministry update on Podcasts, South Missional Community in Waxahachie, Morning and Evening Prayer, and our Pastoral Intern.

FYI: The church building and offices will be closed on Friday, December 26, Monday, December 29 (until 12:00 p.m.), Thursday, January 1, and Friday, January 2. We will be open on Wednesday, December 24.