MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Here we are again, celebrating another Christmas.  How many of us have celebrated year after year, without giving much thought to what it all really means?

Almost everyone knows the story, if only from "A Charlie Brown Christmas".  But have you ever really thought about what that first night was like?

First, let's agree that December 25th was not when Christ was born.  Shepherds watching their flocks by night tell us that it would not have been during the winter.  The truth is, we don't know the date of Christ's birth.  But we can be relatively sure it was in spring or summer, not winter.

In spite of paintings we see, there was no halo of light surrounding Jesus (or Mary).  Jesus came to be born like us, to show us the way.  Yes, He was God.  But He was born as a human.  He was born with the same weaknesses any other baby is born with.  If Mary and Joseph had left Him there, He would have died of starvation and exposure.

Why did God need to be born a helpless child?  How else could He truly understand all of our pain, suffering and temptations?  He had to live life from the beginning to show us that He knows our needs.

But couldn't God have made a different way?  Why did He have to come to die on a cross to provide salvation for us?

There were two men I used to listen to on the radio years ago.  If I could remember who they are, I would give them credit for this.  They painted a picture of God the Father and Jesus talking before the creation of the world.  They wanted to make man to fellowship with.  But They knew that man would choose to disobey, and there was only one way to redeem us from that point.  God the Father said, "If we create them, we will have to redeem them."  Jesus loved us so much that He chose to pay that price so that we could enjoy fellowship with Him.

Mary has almost been deified for being the mother of the Christ.  And Joseph is too often just another character in the story.  But what was it like for him?  To love this girl so much that you are willing to stand by her as she delivers a child you know isn't yours.  To raise this child as your own, facing the jeers of those who thought either this child was from another man, or that you and Mary were together before marriage.  Either way, it was a tough walk for Joseph.

Yes, the angel had told Joseph about Jesus, and how He was from God.  But, being a man, Joseph most likely wondered if he had imagined it.  Or if God really meant what He said.  By faith, Joseph chose to accept it.

This Christmas, we need to remember the story behind the gifts, trees and celebrations.  We need to understand that, while Jesus was relying on Joseph and Mary to care for Him, He was their only hope for an eternity with God.  Even as a newborn Baby, He was the Alpha and Omega. 

Our accepting Jesus is not what makes Him LORD.  He was LORD as He lay helpless in the manger.  He was LORD as he played with the other kids around.  He was LORD as he began his ministry with 12 men who were seldom sure what they were doing.  He was LORD as He was flogged, and hung on a cross.  He was LORD as He lay in the tomb.

It is up to each of us to accept Him as our LORD, and to accept His Lordship over our lives.  Only then is He our LORD. 

This Christmas, there is no greater gift you can accept.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. – Jeremiah 1:5

So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female He created them. – Genesis 1:27

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. – Psalm 139:14

A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. – Proverbs 16:9

How often have we looked in the mirror, and decided we weren’t happy with what we saw?  How often have we told God we aren’t happy with who we are?  How many times have we grumbled that we didn’t have the gifts someone else had?  How many times have we felt inferior because we didn’t think we were good enough; smart enough; strong enough?

All power rests in God’s hands.  He certainly could have made me 6’4” handsome, strong and smart.  But He (in His infinite wisdom that I too often distrust or second guess) created me to be exactly what I am.  I have spent a lot of time over my life wondering what it would be like to be different.  To have the strength I wish I had.  To be smarter that I am.  To be taller, better looking, more outgoing, etc.  Yet I get out of bed most mornings, struggle to get through a day, and wish things were different.

But where would I be? 

Maybe in a nicer house, with less money issues, a better job, etc. 

But if I were not exactly who I am (and who I have been, where I have been, when I have been there), the blessings I have been given may have been missed.

I wouldn’t trade all I have wished I were for what I have now.

Thank you, God, for making me who I am.  Help me to hear your voice; feel your presence, and trust your spirit.  Make me who you have created me to be.  Erase all of what I think I should be, or wish I were.  Thank you for the gifts I have.  Help me to use them the way you intended.  Make this New Year a year of following you closer than I ever have.  Living for you, as you guide my steps to make a difference in the world through me and my life.