"'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;" (by Clement Clarke Moore).
How many times has this story been read to children before bed on Christmas Eve? There is such an excitement in children as they anticipate opening gifts on Christmas Day. The packages are wrapped and under the tree, reflecting the lights and looking beautiful with bows and ribbons. What fun it is to watch the children open their gifts with oohs and ahhhs and screeches of joy.
But, far greater than any package under the tree is the gift of Jesus, Our Savior, being born in Bethlehem. "The Messiah is the fulfillment of God's promise that a descendant of David would rule forever." Each year we celebrate the birth of Immanuel, "God with us". Unlike a new Christmas toy, the birth of Christ never gets old or broken or tossed aside. This Gift is always new and joy-filled.
"A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him-- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord--and he will delight in the fear of the Lord," (Isaiah 11:1-3a NIV).
Lord, Help us remember the real reason for Christmas as we hustle forward during this last week before Christmas. It isn't what is under the tree or in the stockings, it is the baby Jesus, born in a stable in Bethlehem because there was no room in the inn. Help us make room for Jesus in our hearts this Christmas season. Amen.
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