Yuletide Carols would be sung around the fire while Aunt Nancy played the piano, Grandpa Chuck picked the banjo and Jamie strummed the guitar. What is it about Christmas music that makes your spirit feel alive? Glorious songs have been written by the famous David, a man after God's own heart. Imagine the choirs of angels singing God's praise, rejoicing.
If we were there we'd go sleigh riding at night under the brightest moon you've ever seen. It would seem like daylight as the moonlight reflected the crystal-like snow. We'd lie on our backs watching the magical display of God's natural wonder, making snow angels. We'd stand under the street lights seeing the intricate designs of snowflakes as they billowed to the ground. After we'd had enough of Jack Frost nipping at our noses we'd warm up with hot cocoa and feast on the tastiest Christmas cookies that mother makes each year, while Granddad tells us the story of Christmas.
Since you can't be here … and we can't be there, let us be together in spirit as we worship, remembering our Savior, Jesus Christ.
For once upon a time, in a land far away … Joseph and Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child, made their way to an itty bitty town called Bethlehem. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and 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.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified (Can you imagine what they were thinking?). But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you. You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." The shepherds made their way to see the baby. (Imagine Mary giving birth in a stable, afterwards people showing up to worship that child.) Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. (For the rest of the story - visit, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John).
I can imagine the quiet in the field before the angel appeared to the shepherds, with a stray baa from the sheep. I can imagine the sense of awe and wonder as they saw the Christ child. I can't imagine what it must have felt like to hold the Savior., be the mother of her Savior, or the father that held His tiny hands as they gripped His fingers, like they do when they're first born. What must it have been like to look into His eyes as you sang a sweet lullaby, rocking him to sleep. Peace fills my heart as I think on these things. It is our hope that your Christmas season is filled with this same sense of quiet wonder and the peace and love from our Savior, Jesus Christ floods your heart.
Merriest Christmas wishes from our home … to yours.
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