2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 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. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 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.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 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.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Interestingly enough, we don't read about a drummer boy. Probably because that story wasn't written as a song until 1941 by Katherine Kennicott Davis. Animals are not mentioned in the story (except possibly sheep in a nearby field). I don't see the decorations or Christmas Yet, our imaginations take us to a place different from what the Bible story depicts.
Let you imagination show you that it isn't so much about the gifts this season but about what is in one's heart. Don't worry so much about what you will buy someone. What about giving from what you already have...your time and talents? Clean their car or house! Babysit so the mom can get a much needed nap. Do yardwork or cook & deliver a dinner. Make a special batch of cookies. Do the laundry. Take time out to go for a walk. Memories and moments are more important than the price tag. If you have less to spend this year, think about humbling yourself to give from your heart instead of your wallet and experience the magic of Christmas the way it was supposed to be experienced!
