Wednesday, December 24, 2008

For those of you wondering why I love Christmas

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

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, goodwill toward men!”
Luke 2:1-14 (New King James Version)


As much as we love the music, the decorations, and spending time with our families, it all boils down to this: God came down to Earth as a tiny baby to bring us the hope of salvation with an offer of everlasting life. I know it's something that everyone hears this time of year, but it would do us well to remember that Jesus is the reason for the Christmas season.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

3 comments:

Sue said...

Thanks for the reminder. So true and we so take for granted what He did for us. I hope you have a blessed Christmas!

Kim Eckhardt said...

I hope y'all had a very Merry Christmas, Josie!

Josie Thames said...

Claire, Kim--Thanks you both for the Christmas wishes! I hope that both of your families also had Merry Christmases.