'"So Joseph also went up
from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea,
to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and
line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be
married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came
for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She
wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for
them in the inn." (Luke 2)
We realize that Christmas is a
holiday established by men; however it is based on the remembrance of the birth
of the Christ Child. Christmas has always been a family celebration, which is
why it has such appeal to us.
As we look at this scripture which
we all know so well, we remember that in the earliest of beginnings, Joseph
heard the angel as he appeared to him in a dream (Matthew 1:20), with a message from God. When he realized it was a
message from God he knew that he could trust Mary. They were committed to one
another as husband and wife, a family, while much of the world would have
rejected the situation.
They were also committed to the
care for the baby, which God had given them. So in reality, the Christmas is a
celebration not just about God sending a Savior, but it's about human love as
well.
Did you know that the most popular
American song ever written is Irving Berlin's "White Christmas?" The
tune is simple, but the message touches the heart. Berlin wrote these words that I'm pretty
sure that most of you know by heart: "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas,
Just like the ones I used to know. Where the tree tops glisten and children
listen to hear the sleigh bells in the snow." It brings memories of home
and family.
Christmas is about remembering the
sacrifice of God who "thought it not a thing to be held onto"
to stay in heaven, "but humbled himself and took on the form of
a man." Christmas is a time to celebrate family. A time to renew
love, celebrate with friends and family that we may not have seen since the
last Christmas.
In the celebration of Christmas we
see a God who humbles Himself and a young couple who have the most amazing
experience at the birth of their son, the king of the universe.
Let me wish each one of you a
joyous Christmas and you celebrate the gift of God and the love of family.
Russ Lawson, Messages From The
Heart
Books by Russ Lawson @
http://www.lulu.com/russlawson
