A Very Messy Christmas | Rev. David Pileggi

18 December 2022 - 4th Sunday in Advent - Often It’s been noted that the story of Jesus’ birth begins with a genealogy of some ancestors who were “less than perfect” – liars, cheats, idol worshippers, and prostitutes – sinners who made a mess of their lives and the lives of others. The birth of Jesus can only be fully understood in the context of this story. “Fear not,” the angel said at His birth, “I bring good news of great joy for you and all people. A Saviour, the Messiah is born unto you.” Like all of us, Jesus was born into and lived amidst messy and painful circumstances. Yet this obedient Son would save us from our sins and bring us back into an intimate relationship with the Father. He is Immanuel, God with us – whatever the circumstances we may find ourselves in today. And that is Good News.

Readings: Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25.

The Rev. David Pileggi is the rector of Christ Church in the Old City of Jerusalem. He and his wife Carol have lived (and raised their three adult children) in Israel for 40 years where David has worked as a journalist/researcher and for 19 years was director of a study program dedicated to teaching Christians about the Jewish context of their faith. He has an M.A. from the Hebrew University in Jewish Studies and is a licensed tour guide. Fascinated by Eastern European Jewish life that existed before the Second World War, he has led countless trips to Poland, Austria, and the Czech Republic, designed to teach Christians about the Holocaust and Jewish life in the modern era. Ordained by Archbishop Henry Orombi of Uganda, he has been the rector of Christ Church Jerusalem since 2008. He also takes a keen interest in the Isaiah 19 Movement and the rights of the Christian minority in Israel.

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