CHRISTMAS

Luke 2: 10-14  - but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

What does Christmas mean to you?

To some it is the excitement of shopping for the perfect gift, to others it is driving around looking at the beautiful Christmas lights, for some it is the anticipation of what they will receive under their Christmas Tree.  Still others Christmas means spending time with loved ones, great food, singing Christmas Carols, and attending the candlelight services at church.

Several years before I retired from teaching first grade, one of my students asked me when was the first gift given.  I had my children sit on the carpet around me and I began to tell them a story.  Long ago Joseph had to travel to his hometown to be accounted for.  Joseph and Mary began a long journey to Bethlehem in Judah.  Mary was expecting a baby.  When they arrived it was time for the baby to be born.  Mary wrapped the baby in a blanket and laid him in a manger.  There were so many people and no room left in the inn (like a hotel) so all the inn keeper had left was a stable.

Nearby some sheepherders were camping keeping watch over their sheep, when suddenly an angel appeared, all bright with God's glory and told the shepherds that a great and joyful event had just happened.  The very first gift / the greatest gift had been given to everyone in the world.  A baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in the manger was Jesus.

What does Christmas mean to me?  It is a time to be grateful to God for the gift of His son Jesus.  It is a time to celebrate Jesus' birthday by sharing His love with others.

Merry Christmas to all of you!!!
Remember God loves you and so do I.