Bible Text: John 11:17-44 | Preacher: Pastor Daniel Roels | Nearly on the eve of celebrating Jesus’ birth, it may seem a bit strange to hear a story overshadowed with death and illumined by promises of resurrection. Yet Jesus’ “I am” statement to Martha in the midst of grieving for Lazarus can serve as a reminder of who was born at Christmas. And it grows our understanding of what His birth meant: the newborn king, His fresh life, was the beginning of the defeat of death and decay through all creation. So let’s reflect on Jesus’ birth in the midst of a story about death and life.