Jesus is born...'tis the reason for the season!

Well, it is once again christmas time, and the whole month has been hectic...lots of snow and ice, people trying to get their last minute shopping done out amidst the bad weather, people getting snowed in at airports. Yes, it's quite the month. But what about the real reason we celebrate? Do we forget amidst the hustle and bustle what we are really truly celebrating? This season is time to remember the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ (not that we should not remember it all the time, but at Christmas, we need to celebrate it, not celebrate the presents and Santa and his reindeer). Right now, America's economy has everyone worried and times are tough for everyone. Many people are on especially tight budgets this year (I know we are!), or losing jobs, or dealing with other issues. But, remeber this picture, of Mary and Joseph, traveling on donkey, Mary ready to give birth to Jesus Christ. God's faithfulness was upon them. In the midst of an amazing experience they could not have done on their own, God was with them and lead them on and protected them. They trusted Him, and were faithful and obeyed. Just think about Mary, as she is ready to have the baby, coming upon Bethleham, finding no room anywhere to give birth. Think of Joseph, wanting to help Mary and finding no room at the inn to accomodate her. And then there was the stable. Not fit for a king people would say. But, a stable it was. Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior was born in the humblest of places, in a manger in a stable, amidst the animals and hay. He was wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger. Great wisemen and shepards alike came to see Him and worship Him. Angels sang His praises, proclaiming the good news of great joy, leading the shepards to Him. Wisemen followed the star. It was truly a miracle. When you find yourself starting to worry about life in the world we live in, the economy, tough situations and whatever else everyone is facing, just remember our Savior was born in a stable, because there was no room for Him in the inn. He humbled Himself and came down as a baby, and grew to be a man who laid down His life in order to save us. This truly is the greatest gift anyone could ask for. So this Christmas, remember all of this, its not about the tree and ornaments, Santa Clause or elves, or candy canes. Its not about the gifts you receive or give, Christmas is about the greatest gift, God's son.

Whenever I think of Mary, and try to put myself in her shoes, it overwhelmes me to no end. A young girl, soon to be married to Joseph, and she finds she is to give birth to Jesus Christ. What would her family think, what would Joseph think? I cannot even imagine. I admire her. Her faith in God and giving her everything to Him and being faithful and following His lead.

What Child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Merry Christmas, and remember the reason we celebrate! God bless!