December 25th, 2025

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

I have a question...actually I have several questions...and it sounds like the disciples might have had a question or two as well from this passage;
      Jesus, weren’t you dead?
      Why did you want us to meet up here on this hill? It’s cold up here!
      Are you sure you are Jesus?
      When you say you have been given “all authority” does that include lunch orders? I’m hungry!
     When you say “all the nations,” does that include Samaria? They creep me out!  What about Rome? I don’t like Rome! Can I go to Egypt? It’s warm there!

Christmas morning always makes me want to ask Jesus a few questions;
    Why did you arrive as a baby?  If you came as an adult, you could have skipped diapers, learning to walk, and teenage acne.
     Did you know who you were when you were born? What you were supposed to do? How you were supposed to die?
    What was it like having a mom and dad when you were the one who created the universe?
     Are you sure you want me to go make disciples?  I can imagine much better people for the job. Which commands am I supposed to teach again?

Of course, these kinds of questions always get the same answer, “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  We will always have questions, hopefully smarter questions than these.  We will always have days of doubt and reluctance.  But we are given this promise, this Christmas gift if you will, Jesus will always be with us.  That doesn’t mean he will always answer our questions, provide an easy assignment, or order our lunch.  But it does mean that we will never...ever...ever...be alone.  On days that bring pain and on days that bring joy, Christ is with us.  We may not know much, but this is one thing we never have to doubt!

Merry Christmas!