December 24 – Jeremy Blevins

Luke 2:8-20

Four years ago, I moved into Manhattan and began looking for a church home.  Metro was the first church I visited, and it was clear to me on that first visit that Metro was a special place, a place I could call home.  One of the things I love most about Metro is it’s diversity.  There are some real characters here.  In the heart of New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen community, we are a true collection of believers from all walks of life.  But, as different as everyone is, everyone is welcome.  And, when you’re at Metro, you’re family, and Metro’s message is for you.

Luke 2 8-20 is the story of how God’s message of Jesus’ birth was brought to lowley shepherds keeping watch over their flocks one night.  I’m struck by the importance of how such an incredible message was delivered.  God passed over the self-important, the Hight Priest, Herod the Great, the Jewish religious leaders, the Pharisees, the theologians, the politicians, Rome and Jerusalem and chose these shepherds to be the first to know the glorious news of Christ’s birth.

Dear God, help us to remember that your message is for each and every one of us.  You do not care if we are young or old, rich or poor, what clothing is on our backs, or where we are from.  You just care that we come, that we come with open hearts to receive you.  We thank you for bringing your Son, Jesus.  And as we celebrate His birth, we cry out just as they did on that faithful night so many years ago, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”   Amen.

 

 

Jeremy Blevinsis an active member of Metro and currently works for Abercrombie and Fitch.