Jesus' Christmas Tree 🎄
Dear Mosaic Family,
Did you get a Christmas tree yet? We're past Thanksgiving, so it's ok, right? Our family loves getting a Christmas tree every year. As soon as you bring it home, decorate it, turn the lights on, it's as if the "Christmas spirit" has entered the home. We usually only get one, but it's 2020, so we're going all out. We've already got two little trees, and planning on getting a big one this week.
Christmas trees are awesome. However, have you ever asked why we celebrate Christmas with a tree? What does a tree have to do with the biblical narrative of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ? Not much, actually. We don't see Christmas trees in the Bible. Apparently, one of the first connections in church history to trees and Christmas was made by Martin Luther, the 16th century Protestant reformer. As the story goes, one winter evening, as he was walking toward his home, meditating on Scripture, he was awed by the brilliance of stars twinkling amidst evergreens. He decided to recapture the scene for his family in his home, by placing a tree in the main room, and wiring its branches with lighted candles.
Although there's no clear biblical connection between Christmas and a tree, I would like to change that. We actually do have a "Christmas tree" in Scripture. The New Testament begins the Christmas story with a tree: the Family Tree of Jesus Christ. However, it's not exactly a pristine tree. It's pretty knotty and scraggly. The human ancestry of Jesus includes adultery, murder, incest, prostitution, to name but a few scandals. So why is it given? Because it's true. And to show us Jesus came to save sinners, by welcoming us into His new, redeemed, rejoicing family. Join us tomorrow, as we kick off the Advent Season by meditating on Matthew 1:1-17.
With Love,
Pastor Jan
This Week's Announcements
Mini Mo Availability
Tomorow, November 29th at 11:30 am
No childcare will be available during the 11:30 am service. Childcare will only be available for infant through 5th grade during the 9:30 am service.
Capacity is limited so please visit our website for more information and to reserve your spot.
Prayer Services
Sundays, November 29th & December 6th at 5 pm
Join us in our usual worship space for prayer, worship through music, and a short message led by a member of Mosaic.
Christmas Members' Meeting
Sunday, December 13th at 3pm
If you are a covenant member of Mosaic or being voted into membership, please join us for our last quarterly meeting of 2020!
Songs for Sunday
If you would like to know what we'll be singing on Sunday, you can find the playlist here.
Reopening Process
For a full overview of our reopening process and the safety standards that we have in place, visit:
https://brookline.mosaicboston.com/covid-19.