Click Here: Read Luke 2
"And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David." - Luke 2:3-4
The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem would have been a few weeks by foot and donkey along the river Jordan. Caravans of people trekking across the open plains and hills of the countryside. Harsh weather, thieves, murderers, and wild animals became obstacles along the way. But for Joseph and Mary, she was about to deliver a child, which made it exceptionally difficult. No Ubers, no trains, no Suburbans, no mini-vans. No hospital was awaiting them, no prenatal care, no Lamaze and no epidurals. Just a man, his wife and their possessions with the favor of God.
Did this event happen in December? Probably not. Some historians would place the census in the month we now call April. But, that is not what’s important. What’s important is that we are taking the time to celebrate CHRISTmas (Christ - Greek: Christos or Hebrew: Messiah; mas – Latin: missa (celebration)), when in reality we should be celebrating it all year round.
Now, fast forward to 2018.
Christmas trees adorn the city square, the Salvation Army is ringing their bells. The children have a bit more excitement and niceness about them this time of year. There is an Ice Rink set up in the downtown square, and a chill in the air as the children try to make that perfect snowman this year. You can hear carols being sung as you meander through the shopping malls and department stores, while lights twinkle in the dark night bringing a glow to those passing by. The smell of peppermint and cinnamon fill the air at the local coffee shop as frost gathers on the window sill evidence that winter is here.
Don’t you just love this time of year? I do. Watching the excitement in my children’s eyes, as they count down the days until they get out of school, brings back memories of my own childhood. I love the decorations, the lights, and the carols. I love the cold mornings, that bring a chill but can also be invigorating and make you realize just how wonderful it is to be alive. I love sitting by the fireplace, and getting lost in thoughts and dreams and visions about what lies ahead, and reflecting on what has been. The sentimental movies and memorable cartoons that bring out the heartwarming emotion of being loved and being able to love. Every year, I look forward to this season, with the anticipation that life will slow down just enough to let me take a breath and enjoy it.
We look around and see the evidence of Christmas coming upon us. The symbols of the season, that help remind us, are also those that can distract us. The trees, lights, tinsel and bells; the gifts, the carols, the reindeer and elves; the snow, the frost, the sleigh rides and Santa himself are all wonderful and beautiful for building the holiday spirit, but none tell of the truth as to why we are here. If all of that went away what would your season of celebrating Christ’s birth look like? Could you still discover the joy, happiness, and peace without all of the fluff?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a Christmas Scrooge, nor am I a Santa bigot. I am reflecting though on what would Christmas look like without all the distractions. We sing “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…” as we see all of the stuff, but would we recognize it at all if none of that were there. How would you celebrate Christ’s birth if you didn’t have a tree, lights, presents or Santa Clause? What is the real spirit of Christmas and where has it gone amidst all the hustling and bustling to and fro?
Take time today, tomorrow and every other day this season to stop, reflect on Christ and what He came to provide for mankind. Christmas is not about a baby, it’s about a Savior. If you get stuck focusing on the baby lying in the manger, you will never experience the fullness of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He entered the world in order to save it. He came as a baby, to establish God’s presence on earth. His life demonstrated the love, mercy, servant’s heart, humility and authority by which He was given from above. His entire life was to draw people back to God, and in His death, He gave us the greatest gift of all time – salvation. Through this sacrifice, God has provided forgiveness for the sins of mankind, such that we are all given the opportunity to enjoy an eternal Christmas celebration with Him one day. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas because we are drawing ever nearer to His return and eternity with Him.
© Sondove Enterprises, 2018
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