Welcome to Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church and Academy for our gathering to hear the Christmas Story.

Then an angel of the Lord stood before [the shepherds], and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see---I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.”  St. Luke 2:9-10

The last parish I served in Pennsylvania was located in Bethlehem---known as “The Christmas City,” obviously for its connection to the biblical place.  Across the street from the church was a neighbor who decorated after Halloween, and on the 26th of December the Christmas tree was already put out on the street for the trash.  For these folks Christmas was a one-day affair, while for us in the Church “Christmas” lasts until the Epiphany, January 6.  Or does it?  Isn’t the message of Christmas meant to last a bit longer---like 365 days until the next celebration?

It's the message of the angel that is meant to grab our attention, not the angel’s appearance.  This message is first given not to kings and rulers and the haves, but to outcasts, the vulnerable, rejected, depressed, and others considered to be even unworthy of life, as symbolized by the shepherds.  The message is this:  that you, whoever you are, whatever your circumstances, are noticed by God, beloved by God, and blessed by God.

The single angel was followed by a heavenly chorus, proclaiming that God favors all, and God wishes nothing but peace---shalom---wholeness, completeness, safety and harmony, to the entire earth.   This is a message which has lasting power, and it is Beautiful Savior’s ardent wish that you take into your heart the message and meaning of the Birth of the Christ Child. 

Worship will include open communion for everyone and candlelight (or glow sticks).

Join us in-person at 3:30pm, on Facebook Live at Beautifulsaviortucson, and on Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89447751411  Meeting ID: 894 4775 1411 and Passcode: 050676

Join us in-person at 7:00pm, on Facebook Live at Beautifulsaviortucson, and on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87073369735  Meeting ID: 870 7336 9735 and Passcode: 433594

Reminder: The church office is closed 12/24/25 - 1/4/25

This Christmas Eve Meditation Moment is meant to offer you an opportunity to escape from the mad rush of the world for a few moments, and to focus on God, God’s attentiveness to you, and your response to God’s activity in your life. Joy to the World!