Hi how are you today. I am well but a little tired. Our church participated in another community carols last Saturday then two church productions on Sunday. I was in the choir all three times. Now I can concentrate on my personal Christmas preparations. How are yours coming this year?
We celebrate Christmas every year and some of us are even reading an Advent Christmas plan. But my question to all of us is: do we ever stop to ponder the real meaning of Christmas?
Most of us would say yes if we were attending a Christmas production, carols or church service. But what about our everyday? In the midst of shopping, Christmas trees, events and even the hustle and bustle of the season, are there moments for us to ponder?
What was it like for God to send a third of the trinity to earth knowing it was for a purpose but also involved a separation? They could still talk but it wouldn’t be the same as it was in heaven.
What was it like for a young girl to be told she was having a baby? She should have been in the middle of wedding preparations with her betrothed. This news would have rocked her even though she had a deep trust in God. What did her family say? How would you have reacted if you had been her mother or father?
What was it like for Joseph? He was still shocked at the news Mary told him. Would this ruin his reputation? Would they even be allowed in the synagogue again? The rulers were really strict. How would he bring the Son of God up? Would He require something of Him he didn’t think he could give?
Those questions and more are what we could ponder on. If you want to read the story again, start in Luke in the Bible.
Once we have pondered all of that, let’s think about the meaning of Christmas for us personally.
Do you resonate with Mary’s statement in Luke 1 in the Message Bible which states:
And Mary said,
Yes, I see it all now:
I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve.
Let it be with me
just as you say.
Are we ready to serve God in whatever area He wants us in? Does it feel too overwhelming? Do we just need to trust like Mary did? Do we just need to say- let it happen just like you say. I will take one step at a time with God, as He leads me.
Maybe you resonate more with Joseph. You hear a story about someone you dearly love which sets you on a path of deciding to end the relationship. Then the angel appears to him with this remarkable statement found in Matthew 1 and in the Message Bible it reads:
20-23 While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God’s angel spoke in the dream: “Joseph, son of David, don’t hesitate to get married. Mary’s pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God’s Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus—‘God saves’—because he will save his people from their sins.”
Gods plan for us doesn’t always look neat and tidy. Sometimes it looks messy. Are you in a middle of a mess and wondering where God is? He is in there with you if you just trust Him.
Maybe you are like the shepherds minding your own business when God just shows up in the ordinary rhythm of the day. Let’s look at what the angel said to them in Luke 2 in the Message Bible which states:
8-12 There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”
The shepherds were told to not be afraid but that the answer they were looking for was born and lying in a manger. Not any manger: but one where the Passover lambs were laid.
So this Christmas whether you are found in the ordinary or maybe there is fear of the future or sickness over your life or maybe you are just continuing to serve God in this season, there is a meaning in the Christmas story for you. Just sit and ponder for a while. The Saviour was born who would remove sin from our lives and reconcile us back to our creator, our God.
That is the true meaning of Christmas.
Bless you and keep living the life God intended.
Karen
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