In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Growing up, every Christmas Eve after Candlelight Service, my family would come home and do our Christmas Eve traditions. We got new Christmas pajamas, put out milk and cookies for Santa, and sometimes we would watch a movie. But every year, my parents sat us down and my Dad would read the story of Jesus’ birth. It was our time to take a moment and remember in the rush of the Christmas festivities what the story was about.
Now that I am older, and I’m sure you can relate, it seems like the days fly by. I find myself saying ‘I’ll make time for it’. If I haven’t been able to read my Bible, ‘I’ll make time for it’, if I haven’t prayed yet, ‘I’ll make time for it’. I hate to say it, but sometimes I put other things over my time with God. School gets in the way, or I’m rushing to get to work, or I have to go to the grocery store, and that moment of peace is missed. But it’s during the holidays, in the chaos of it all, when I find that peace again. Even when I’m busy helping prepare a meal, or getting the last Christmas gift, I feel the Holy Spirit around me, and I find myself going to God even more.
At times it’s hard to listen for God in the chaos of the holidays. I find myself asking him for things, or thanking him without waiting for a response. But in this scripture I find it again.
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”’
God has given me the best answer, his son Jesus, who was dead and buried and rose after three days. Remembering that the best gift I was ever given was Jesus Christ always makes Christmas more joyous! So remember this holiday season, in the rush of travel and excitement of presents, the greatest gift has already been given, and it is given all year round.
I like to listen to O Holy Night this time of year. The words are so powerful yet the song is so simple. It goes to show that you don’t need the fanciest things, you don’t even need a fancy song. Jesus is everything we can need for the Christmas season, and every season.
‘Fall on your knees. Oh hear the angel voices. O night divine, O night when Christ was born.’
Dear Lord,
Help us to simplify our activities and traditions so we can focus our celebration on Your birth. Thank You for being the Prince of Peace, and I ask you for that supernatural peace to reign in our hearts. Amen
Thanks, Anna!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful message for all of us. Rushing around distracts us....but God's Message reminds us....Jesus our Savior is born.
ReplyDelete