Merry Christmas!

It’s Christmas morning, and I’m sick again. Not that I’m complaining. It’s actually become a tradition. Just a few years ago I basically lost Christmas day because of some kind of wicked, evil flu! I think it’s God’s way of keeping me a bit humble, and challenging me to express my gratitude in spite of a little illness, which I’d like to do…

Christmas Day is obviously quite special, for obvious reasons. More than anything, we celebrate the birth of King Jesus who was born without a crown. His humble beginnings in a stone feed trough in a cave in Bethlehem remind us that God chooses the base things of the world to confound the wise and mighty! He brought wealthy, wise men to their knees before His presence – a little baby – in a feed trough – in a little hamlet called Bethlehem.

Here’s an oft-forgotten detail about Jesus’ birth. We often accentuate His humility but we forget that God gave Him a very special gift – He was surrounded with loving family and friends. In the stable that night was His adoptive father, Joseph, who in spite of embarrassing circumstances, had chosen to be faithful to his espoused wife. We need some Joseph’s today! There was his mother, Mary, who was showered by the gracious gift of God’s divine favor and blessing – and she never forgot it!

Then there were shepherds. They were Jesus’ friends. We often don’t think of them in that way, but they had more in common with Jesus that anyone of any other profession. He was born to be the Great Shepherd, and He cares for His sheep like no other. He knows us by name and we know His voice.

I’m thankful today for the gift of God’s Son, for the gift of eternal life, and for the gift of my family and friends. My heart goes out to those who miss these gifts. Last week I saw ten shut-ins, a few of whom will have no visitors today. That breaks my heart, but I know the Great Shepherd visits them today – His presence can be overwhelming. He is well worth celebrating – so Merry Christmas!! Celebrate well!