First Sunday after Christmas
“What’s the Deal With Christmas?”
Rev. James L. Mayland
9am Sunday, January 1, 2023 in the Upper Sanctuary
Trinity Lutheran Church & School
Wausau, Wisconsin

FOCUS Long ago Joseph, the son of Jacob, learned to see the Lord’s hand even
in sorrowful circumstances. What was meant for harm, the Lord used for good. We
learn to speak these words only by faith. Though the firstborn sons of Bethlehem
suffered the ultimate cost because of Jesus, through Herod’s atrocity the prophet’s
word was fulfilled. “Out of Egypt I have called My Son.” Once more we are reminded
that nothing can prevent God from accomplishing His purpose, especially when that
purpose is redeeming us from sin and its death and bestowing upon us everlasting
life. Hidden in Bethlehem’s sorrow is the mercy of God. To voices crying from the pain
of death come too soon, He gives the gift of life that death cannot steal. This is what
Jesus is born to accomplish, and in Egypt He is kept safe for this saving work so that
we and the infant sons of Bethlehem may rejoice in life stronger than death.