The days leading up to Christmas Day are particularly busy for clergy people. If we’re not running around visiting people or providing pastoral care, then we’re trying to bang out three or four or even five sermons before the start of Christmas Eve services. A clock is only used to ensure that our next item on our “Get This Done Before Dec. 24 at 3:00pm” list is completed in a timely fashion. Yet, even in this rush to do so much, there is a calming peace that hangs over this period.

The peace that comes from Jesus Christ.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my pastorate comes when I visit people in the hospital. Whether members of Saint Matthew’s or those on a hospital’s visitation list, to bring that essential peace of the true meaning of the coming of Jesus Christ to to the sick, the struggling, and the overwhelmed is an act that strengthens me, both spiritually and physically. Even when tears roll down cheeks, it is that message that brings comfort and peace, even in times of hurt and pain.

This week, as I’ve spent the last four Christmas’ since my ordination, I visited with cancer patients, including children, at our local hospitals. With both my parents having been diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives, talking with those who are suffering from the same dreaded disease and reminding them that they are not alone is something that my inner clergyman pushes me to do.

I’m always reminded at this time of the year of the many Christmas’ that I’ve missed with my mother, who was diagnosed and succumbed to lung cancer in 1990. Regularly I wonder what my mother would think of me and how I’ve turned out, being a pastor and all. And my father, who is battling back after a bout with colon cancer, a proud man who lives with a colostomy and always gets anxious each time he goes for cancer screenings, can see me in the pulpit every now and then. In those times he comes to visit here at Saint Matthew’s, I always wonder what he’s thinking as he sees his son standing there proclaiming Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.

So at Christmas (or more specifically during Advent; I’m an anal-retentive pastor when it comes to the proper church season), I try to spend some time with people who are battling the same disease my mother died from and that my father battles still today.

I met with a young 6-year old girl who was, as the nurse explained, on an emotional roller coaster. One day, she has a good day; the next day, not so good. One day, the doctor brings hope. The next day, caution replaces optimism. The up-and-downs of battling cancer are hard, but this 6-year old was doing the best she can. After talking with her for a short bit before she headed off to treatment, she asked me if I could thank Jesus for her.

It was a startling moment. Of course, I promised her that I would thank Jesus for her. She smiled and went off to whatever treatment was scheduled for her that day.

Thanking Jesus. Now isn’t that truly what our response to Christmas is truly about?

It is not about gifts, no matter the cost. It is not about Christmas cards in the mail or email. It is not about eating too much on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

It is truly about thanking God for coming to us and saving us.

Join us tonight at Saint Matthew’s as we thank our Lord for coming to us. See you at 8:00pm.