Bing Crosby never dreamt about a “Brown Christmas” and for Minnesotans, this is probably not like the ones we used to know.

Yet, not even the rain could put a damper on the spirit of Christmas this year.

The joy of Christmas could be seen on the faces of those who gathered for worship at Faith Lutheran and other places of worship throughout our community.

Children arrived at church full of expectation and hope. Even if that hope was towards presents wrapped under the tree, the church gets the privilege of telling the “why”.

Why is this day so important?   

The stories told about Jesus in the Bible mostly revolve around his teachings and the theological implications of his death and resurrection.

Little is written about how Jesus was born—yet Christmas is one of the biggest celebrations in the whole world, not just the church.

The why for me in the birth of Jesus involves the reminder of who has access to God. Jesus was born in a small town and not amongst King Herod, leaders of the synagogue, or influential Roman leaders.

Instead, the birth was announced to shepherds, foreigners from the East, and family members who were surprised that the newborn king was someone that they could visit and worship.

Jesus was born amongst people like you and me.

Why does Jesus matter to our world as we enter 2024?

We have the tremendous privilege of sharing the good news of the birth of Jesus and that God broke through to share that news in unexpected ways to unlikely people.

I think the church tends to forget that message. We think we’re the only ones who hear and we must be special. Set apart.  

The church puts being right in front of reminding ordinary humans about the righteousness and love given to them through Jesus. The good news isn’t always delivered to the ones we expect to receive it.

I can be guilty of this mindset, so I strive to encounter my neighbor with humility and grace in my heart. I can learn from you in each encounter. Adam Grant, author of Think Again, writes that the purpose of learning isn’t to affirm our beliefs; it’s to evolve our beliefs.

I am excited to learn in 2024. I look to evolve in my beliefs and understanding of the world around me. I look to share the Joy of the World expressed in the news of Christmas.

The most important message of Christmas is often the one lost by people skeptical of the church and who’ve been hurt by religious institutions.

That message is that love grows when we give it away.

Love is the gift we receive. Love is the gift all have access to. No returns. But plenty of re-gifting is encouraged. May your days be merry and bright. Even when this Christmas was brown.  

Pastor John Klawiter is the senior pastor of Faith Lutheran Church, an ELCA congregation in Forest Lake. For more information, email him at