Holidays
“Twas the night before Christmas,”... and so begins the lovely story told to children of all ages, the young and the young at heart. I can not help but wonder what experiences were shared that first night before Christmas. The night before that Christmas seemed like any other for many. The common man lived his days from the cradle to the grave with little purpose, and little hope for tomorrow. Yes, the devout Jews all heard the story of a coming Messiah; but believed it may be just that, a story, folk lore. They were afraid to dream. The promises were given so long ago. Why had they not been fulfilled? The deliverer surely knew they really needed Him. Did He really care about the way the Roman government oppressed them? Did He really care about their poverty? Did He really care about the constant empty lonely feeling hidden deep within? They could almost convince themselves that they were living a full and meaningful life.
“Twas the night before Christmas,”... It would be a special night, still, and quiet, a “Silent Night.” The King sent out a decree for all to be taxed and counted in a census. Mary and Joseph traveled far and long. They viewed their final destination, the birth city birth city of David, off in the distance. The donkey, burdened by the weight of this expectant mother moved slowly. Both Mary and Joseph were weary and worn. When they reached the city of Bethlehem their every bone cried out for rest. They both sensed the arrival of the holy child and knew last minute preparations must be made quickly. After seeking a place to spend the night and growing in their anxiety, their prayers were answered. They were given permission to stay in a stable, not their first choice I'm sure; but they both praised Jehovah Jireh, “The God that provides,” for a place of security, privacy, and location. At least they found shelter and were not forced to sleep out in the street like homeless beggars. They anticipated the approaching arrival of the Anointed One. He would be called Jesus; because He would save His people from their sins!
“Twas the night before Christmas,”... A father always eagerly awaits the birth of his first child. It is a moment of great pride and yet also such a tremendous responsibility, that his knees shake. The night before the first Christmas, the heavenly Father also took great pride in His Son, who left heaven and emptied Himself, to take on the form of man. The fullness of time arrived for the coming of His Son Jesus. He would soon be born in the very world created by the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He made His entrance as a babe; He would be known as the Fathers Beloved Son, in Whom He was well pleased! Oh, the sorrow to realize that one day this babe would die for the sins of humanity! As He awaited His birth, death crouched on the horizon.
“Twas the night before Christmas,”... Here we are December twenty fourth, Christmas Eve...the night before Christmas. Where ever you and I spend this night we should “Stop, look, and listen.” First, stop! Stop rushing long enough to truly take in what Christmas is. Christmas is Immanuel, God with us! God does care! Jesus in the form of the Holy Spirit is with us, within us every moment! “O Come, Let Us Adore Him!” Second, look! Look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of Our Faith. If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus, what better opportunity could you have than this Christmas? You can celebrate two births each coming Christmas, His and your second birth! You must be born again. Last, listen! Listen to the children around you, “Out of the mouths of babes”...They will tell you the story of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, the animals, and the angels. They love to tell the story! Take time to listen. Hear the message of God’s everlasting love. It is the greatest story ever told! The little ones love the live nativity scenes and singing “Away in a manger.” Listen! Do you hear the sound of the heavenly chorus? The shepherds in the field listened and went to find the baby lying in a manger, just as the angels said! Unless we have the faith of a child we cannot enter heaven. “Twas the night before Christmas!” O Holy Night!
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