Christmas Eve, the shopping's over, the shipping is done, the wrapping is wrapped and the cooking has reaching its peak. Tonight and tomorrow families and friends will gather to share food and fellowship, watch parades, ballgames and movies, exchanging gifts and stories. Reminiscing about the memories of the past. Bringing to life again those who have gone before us as we remember, and laugh, and cry sweet tears of remembrance.
The fireplace will burn bright and someone will stuff all the wrapping paper in it creating an instant firestorm. The decorations will be admired as we again stuff ourselves to satisfaction and then some. Then as we head back out into the evening to return home we will carry with us more memories for next years holiday season.
Hopefully we will find time during all this to remember what all this celebration is about. Many living in America and Western Europe have lost the meaning. The holiday has for them become a great party of food, gifts, games and laughter. Rarely does that first Christmas day enter our minds.
As I drove to work this morning about 12:30 I saw a solitary star peak through the clouds to remind me of that star so long ago that guided the wise men in their quest to find and worship the child.
The rolling hills reminded me of those hills around Bethlehem where shepherds gathered around a fire to warm themselves while their sheep rested nearby. And suddenly a choir of angels announcing the birth of the King interrupted their tranquil night.
The old barn hidden in the shadows of the trees made me think of that little stable where a new mom and dad huddled around their newborn baby. This precious gift, this miracle of birth, this promise, this one born to save his people and all mankind.
As you go about your holiday activities, don't forget the child. Because of the child whose birth we remember and celebrate at Christmas, we can remember and celebrate Easter. When the promise wrapped in swaddling clothes was fulfilled in the victor over death, hell and the grave.
"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, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
Merry Christmas!