Christmas Story

     For those who do not believe Christ should be in Christmas, let me just say that the Christmas story and all the traditions we observe are truly built around Jesus and His birth.  In fact, Christmas has always been about manager scenes, caroling, gift giving, angels and bright stars atop trees adorning our homes.   Just where did these ideas originate?  I believe we find them in scripture.

Jesus Christ:  Matthew 1:21 "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins."

Manager scenes:  Luke 2:7  "And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manager, because there was no room for them in the inn."

Christmas Carols: Luke 2: 13-14  "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Angels:  Luke 2:10  "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."

Bright star:  Matthew 2: 1-2  "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."  

Gifts:  Matthew 2:11  "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts: gold, and frankincense, and myrrh."

 

The Five Senses of Christmas

     As I start my countdown to Christmas, I am reminded of Christmas' past.  They affect my five senses.
     My sight takes in the sparkling, glittering lights as they adorn homes and streets.  What child could not be fascinated by the many different colors of Christmas?
     My ears continue to take in the sound of harmonious voices being lifted in carol, telling of the magic of a Savior being born and laying in a manager and the angels proclaiming,  "A Savior is born!" This Savior is truly the Christmas spirit and the best gift on earth.
     My sense of smell takes me back to my childhood when there was always the scent of cinnamon and the smell of mellowing apples and ripeing  oranges coming from some hidden, unknown cabinet.  Then there was always the scent of fresh-cut cedar waiting to dry out from weeks of filling the room with multi-colored lights which were shedding their delightful glow throughout the room.
     My sense of taste was always overwhelmed with sugar coatings from snow-white divinity, the brewing of hot cocoa, and , of course, those fruit filled cakes
     Then there is my sense of touch.  I still remember the prick of fresh cut cedar, loving hugs as family wished each other "Merry Christmas",  and most of all, the whisker scratches across my cheek as Santa woke me to the joy of Christmas morning with a "Ho-Ho-Ho."
     As we make even more memories every Christmas season, these early memories never leave us, but the one memory that stays forever in the forefront is when I realized that Jesus is the true reason for the season and, without Jesus, there would be no Christmas. 
     I often wonder what Jesus' first Christmas was like and what effected this new-born baby's  senses.  Within His sight, could He see the bright star directing the wise toward His location?  Could He hear the angels singing the song proclaiming, "A Savior is born?"  Could He smell the dusty scent of barnyard hay as it covered His manager bed?   Could He taste the dust laden hay that surrounded Him.  Could He already feel the nails that would eventually pierce His hands as He laid down His life for mankind? 
     Regardless of all this, Jesus really didn't care.  He came with a purpose, and He came to fulfill that purpose.  He died and He arose and I was saved because of it. 
    

                                                   Merry Christmas to All!

 

 

When Did He Know?

We see Jesus when He was born.  We are not told much about Him during His youth.  The next time we hear His story is when He is twelve and at the temple in His Father's house.  Then we again see Him entering the scene of His ministry when He is thirty and being baptized.  From there He heals, teaches, and ministers until  His death and resurrection.  A price He paid for me and for you. 

When Did He Know?

 When did He know

  about the old rugged cross, upon where His blood would be shed?
When did He know
  about the nails which would pierce His hands?
When did He know
  about the sins that would be heaped upon His shoulders?
When did He know
  how my sins would cause His Father's face to turn away?

Was it when He was born

   in a shabby, lowly manager?
Was it when He hammered
  nails alongside His earthy father?
Was it when He walked
  the countryside with no home to lay His head?
Was it when He was betrayed
  by one of His own?
Was it when He was spit upon
  and beaten?
Was it when He took my place
  upon that rough and rugged cross?
Was it when, in death,
  He cried out, "Why have you forsaken me?"

Regardless, through it all:

  He gave His life for me.
  He rose again.
  He lives for me.
  He still loves me.

If you have not recognized Jesus as your very own Savior, I encourage you to bow the knee and ask Jesus into your heart.  He died for you, too.