For unto us a child is born! It's Christmastime. War-weary, battered by partisan politics, struggling with a sluggish economy, stressed out, burnt out, worn out, and on edge, and now we've got winter coming and holiday shopping to contend with. Ice and snow and crowded malls, keeping up with the Jones', and adding to our collective debt.
For unto us a child is born! Christmas really is about something more than debt and presents and stress. He really did come to save us all, to make us right with our Creator, to blot out our sin. The gifts of the wise men pale in comparison to the gift He gave us, a gift so many of us still refuse to accept. Priceless and precious, there for the taking.
For unto us a child is born! Maybe this year I can break away from Madison Avenue's call. Maybe I can slow down, catch my breath, and not be cheated out of what the season is truly a celebration of. Maybe this year, I can relax and revel in the glory of my Saviour, the Christ child, come to save us all. Thank-you Jesus. I'm nothing without you. Happy birthday. Thanks for the gift!
With that, I'll leave you with the first six verses of Chapter 2 of the Book of Luke. It's well worth reading:
1In 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 Quirinius was governor of Syria.)3And everyone went to his own town to register.
4So 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. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
