Why Nostalgia is Spiritual "Turkish Delight" (A Christmas Eve Sermon)

Main Takeaways

• We gather on Christmas Eve not just for tradition, but to conspire against the forces of darkness.
• Like C.S. Lewis’s "Turkish Delight," worldly nostalgia is an addictive distraction, not a cure.
• God’s invasion began with a baby parachuting deep behind enemy lines.
• In a culture addicted to outrage, Christian rebellion looks like sanity and joy.
• Faithfully living out our vocations is how we hold territory that Christ has conquered.

Scripture Index

• Isaiah 9: The prophecy of the Light shining on those in deep darkness and the Child who breaks the yoke.
• Genesis 19: A reference to God's judgment on Sodom, contrasted here with the quiet arrival of Christ.
• Luke 2: The narrative of the shepherds witnessing the glory of the Lord in the fields.
• Ephesians 2:2: Paul’s description of the spiritual forces occupying the "air" around us.
• Philippians 4:4: The apostolic instruction to rejoice, which serves as our weapon against despair.

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At St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Gibbon, Minnesota, God has gathered a congregation where all ages are present, from newborns to grandparents. We are united in Christ through the historic liturgy. Children are a visible and joyful part of our life together, with active Sunday School and youth ministries woven into the fabric of our community. Here, every generation receives the saving benefits of Christ through His Word and Sacraments. Whether you’re listening nearby or far away, you’re welcome to join us in person or online.

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