When you attend a fair, carnival, or circus you often may see a side show.  People try to get you to see wild animals from Africa or the world’s tallest man.  Really, all they are interested in is to get you to purchase an extra ticket so the event can make money.  Christmas is God’s great holiday of love.  He invites us to see and gives us the most precious gift in a poor and lowly manger.  We see in that manger that God is here.  God Himself came down to earth to be born as a man and live here among men to save us from death and from the power of the devil.  The shepherds saw a Savior which is Christ the Lord.  They worshiped Him and told everyone about Him.  We see in the manger our Savior and King.  We need Him to take our place and redeem us.  We need Him to rule our lives and give us the power to love and live for Him.  In that manger we find our roots and branches that will keep us firmly in His grasp. 














From all of us at Emmanuel Lutheran School it is our prayer that you have a safe and enjoyable Christmas and a blessed New Year.