Imagine parents struggling and searching for a place to give birth, going from door to door, inn to inn asking, begging, and pleading for a well-mannered place for a child to be born. Consider Mary's pains as her labor intensified each time they were told, there is no room. Contemplate the bustle of people in Bethlehem as they gathered to take part in the census mandated by Caesar Augustus. Yet, no one paused, no concern given, not even for the briefest of moments to inquire about their immediate need. I can imagine her pleading with Joseph to rest if only for a moment, as the distresses of his heart urged him to press on. Finally, they found (possibly) a considerate Inn Keeper, who seeing Mary's condition, offered not unto them an impressive room in a palace, out of great compassion, but merely presented a manger. A place where animals resided, not a dwelling for a king, nor the hope of a carpenter for his soon to be newborn son. As Jesus came forth, there was no rush, no urgency, no press to see him. The glory of the lord shown above Bethlehem, the star rested thereof, and the heavenly host proclaimed in Luke 2:10-11, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Today’s episode is titled.
Finding Christ in Our Christmas
Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Being out these last few weeks I had an opportunity to witness decorations and clothing that are designed (supposedly) to serve as a representation of Christmas. In fact I happened to see an oversized skeleton adorned with a Santa had, surrounded by orange lights, typically reserved for another traditional holiday. Likewise, I saw what would be considered a dress shirt that had printed as a continuous design throughout, Happy Crappy Christmas. How did we come to marginalize such a day as this? One so noteworthy that it changed the course of history for an eternity.
Christmas is difficult time for many, and each year statistics reveal that between Thanksgiving, in November to Christmas, in December countless people suffer with bouts of anxiety and depression. While most of us celebrate the holiday with families, there is an abundance that are without, lacking the ability to share, and often even in the heart of a family gathering things can become quite complex. That is why it is of the greatest importance that Christ remain at the center of Christmas. Place aside for a moment the pageantry of the preceding weeks, and the urgent press to purchase what remains on our gift list (that last item).
