"There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. Behold an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. The angel said to them, "Don't be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:8-11
Wise men, or Magi, first arrived in Jerusalem and reported to the king of Judea, Herod the Great, that they had seen a star heralding the birth of a King. Further inquiry led them to Bethlehem of Judea and the location of Mary and Joseph. They presented Jesus with treasures of "gold, frankincense, and myrrh."
Christmas is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the anointed one and His anointing. It is a most Holy day and cannot be celebrated without remembering Christ's death and resurrection. For God so loved the world that He gave. He gave His only begotten son of a virgin.
His son gave His life for us; bore our sins so that we might have eternal life. What Mother can begin to imagine Mary's position? Joseph could have become egotistical to think he chose Mary just as the Holy Spirit had. If he had doubts about her virginity, an angel visited him to give him confirmation.
We must be careful all the glitter, pageantry, wrapping paper, decorations and socializing does not diminish the true meaning of Christmas. The first Christmas has no resemblance to our present day celebration. There was no room in a Bethlehem Inn for the Savior of the world to be born! Baby Jesus did not have a nursery filled with the finest furnishings from Ethan Allen, Sears, Babies 'R Us or Wal-Mart. He had very humble beginnings although He was a Prince.
As we exchange gifts, we must express thanks for the greatest Gift of all. Tell your children what you will about Santa but teach them the story of baby Jesus, born in a manger, no crib for a bed and no receiving blanket. He was wrapped in strips of cloth. Tell them of that silent and Holy night when Christ our Savior was born and of the gifts He was given. When they are old enough to understand, a nativity scene in your home can be used to teach them about Jesus' birth. Teaching them to focus on giving instead of receiving will take them farther in life than having them believe it is better to receive than give.
Let's keep Christ in Christmas! Let's not X(mas) Him out.
© 2006
Avis Ward
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