Local ministers reflect on the message of Christmas

“His actions, words and teachings counter the values of the Romans,” Van Dyke said. “It’s an understanding that’s still a struggle for most of us as humans; that the God we place faith in loves us unconditionally.”

He also pointed to Mary as another sign of hope; a woman chosen to change the world and an example of love having a tremendous impact.

“It’s a lifting up of those who are downtrodden and for whom life is hard,” Van Dyke said. “As love transforms human hearts, people are equipped to embrace their fellow humans with compassion.”

During the holidays, families naturally get caught up in the stress of shopping and preparing, made worse during the pandemic. Van Dyke said the spirit that people are able to return to when they focus on what matters during the season can be a guide to how to live their lives year round.

“A different kind of emphasis on charity, on consideration on the needs of others.”

(Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Ordinary to extraordinary

Multiple pastors noted that the nativity story is often romanticized. In addition to the threat of the Romans, there’s also the matter of shepherds overseeing a flock of sheep being the first to receive the news of Christ’s birth. Van Dyke said that’s a significant detail.

“Being a shepard was a hard task, so [it’s meaningful that the angel] comes not to the strong and powerful, but rather to ordinary people, living their lives in challenging circumstances,” he said.

Pastor Casey Sitter of Living Faith Chapel in North Battleford echoed the underemphasized nature of the shepherd’s role in the story, noting the parallel of raising lambs intended for temple sacrifices based on old prophecies to hearing this momentous proclamation.

“These sheep they raised were only a temporary atonement, while the lamb of God is the permeant atonement,” he said. “I think sometimes we don’t understand that this announcement meant everything, that these shepherds were the first to receive this announcement that fulfills scripture,”

Approaching the season from a more secular perspective, Sitter said he always looks forward to re-examining the ‘reason for the season’, especially going through this period of strife in the past two years.

“We want to stay away from vain religion, but we want to express the true reason for the holiday, season and the celebration we can have at Christmas,” he said. “It comes down to that God loves us and was willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice. It helps me as a pastor to refocus on that purpose.”

As residents gather around the tree or dinner table this Christmas, Sitter wished everyone clarity in spending time with each other and living in the spirit of the holiday in all their interactions.

“It doesn’t have to be perfect,” he said. “Use this time to walk in love and forgiveness towards one another.”

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josh.ryan@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports

by Josh Ryan

Local ministers reflect on the message of Christmas

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