You can’t dust off your manger scene and expect it will draw you closer to Christ if you have neglected Him for the last 11 months. I mean, how many of us spend a month celebrating someone’s birthday if we really don’t know the person? If Christmas is going to have a deeper meaning, we need to know the man who’s birth we celebrate. And that is the gift He would love to give to us.
But if you want to begin to know Him today, how can it happen with all the clutter and noise of commercial Christmas? Well maybe you can start by absorbing these verses from the gospel of Luke, “And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:8-11) I know even if you are not a follower of Jesus you have heard these words before. But read them again.
Then put yourself in that field. God’s messenger was so excited because he knew the miracle that had just taken place, Immanuel, God with us, had just been born. He had to share it! Finally, the plan, in place from the foundation of the world was happening. The joy of all heaven could not be contained, “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:13-14) What would have it been like to be among those shepherds? It had to be pure awe and joy! And that is the joy I want in my heart this Christmas because that is the joy that can last the whole year.
It is a reality that we cannot get away from the gift mania of modern Christmas, Amazon has made sure of that. But while you are shopping for the latest gizmo, take time to read God’s Word. Absorb the gift God, in Jesus, has given to all of us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Make a start right now to celebrating Jesus throughout the year! His gift to you is everlasting!
I left that woman crying in her martini, literally. I got out the door as soon as I could and never looked back. Today, I understand the pain she was feeling but know that sorrow can be washed away in a moment. Christ is still and always has been in Christmas. Maybe it was not December 25th, but I celebrate it with all my heart because, “For on to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) He is my Christmas! May He be yours!
Blessings John,
12/23/19
