Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year, is finally here again! What does that mean to you? Is this a joyous time of year, or is it full of dreaded stress? Perhaps you have the best intentions of making this a meaningful holiday for your family, but does it always seem to fall short?
If you look around, you will likely see many frazzled shoppers who grumpily trudge through the mall, or the tired faces of the moms and dads who are trapped in the chaos of trying to provide their little ones with the perfect Christmas. Unfortunately that usually entails extended work hours, overspending, overindulging in sweets, very little sleep, and sacrificing precious family time in order to make it all happen. Suddenly, Christmas isn’t so much fun!
There is nothing wrong with being busy and making the most of the season, but the key is balance. Go ahead and do all the fun things you enjoy, but be careful about crossing over the line into the abyss of Christmas pandemonium. The sure antidote is to take time to rest, reflect, and revel in the pure meaning of this holy day. Then, you will have the proper perspective to enjoy everything else.
Imagine with me the very first celebration of Christmas, as the night sky filled with a multitude of glorious angels praising God and saying, “Glory to god in the Highest, and on earth peace, good will to men!” What an awesome sight that must have been!
It was the ultimate good news! This is what the world had been waiting for so long! The Scripture says, “When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son…” Finally, the time was here!
When the shepherds heard the news that the Messiah had been born, they hurried to where the child lay. They found the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger, just as the angels had proclaimed. Immediately, they began spreading the news abroad to everyone they met, and all those who heard the good news marveled at what they heard. What excitement had filled the air!
But, here is my favorite part!
Luke 2:19 says, “Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
I can see her as a very young, inexperienced new mother, treasuring this extraordinary moment quietly in her heart. I can just imagine the gentle smile on her face, or the tender tears welling in the corners of her eyes. Could she possibly comprehend what would come beyond the manger? Could she imagine the sleepless nights, the late night feedings, the exhaustion of chasing an energetic toddler through the house, the baths, the stories, the hugs and kisses…?
Did she feel the weight of responsibility for teaching and training this little boy who would someday save the world?
There was no doubt that this baby would completely change her life!
Could she fathom the thought of his sacrifice for our sins? Could she foresee the nails, the thorns, or the rugged cross upon which her beloved child would someday hang?
In the beauty of that moment, was it possible for Mary to comprehend the extent of God’s love for mankind?
Did the possibility of his resurrection, the hope of our redemption, or His eventual reign over all the earth even enter into her imagination?
There was no doubt this baby would completely change all our lives!
You see, Jesus didn’t come just to be a cute little baby. Christmas is only the beginning of the story. He came to redeem fallen man and to restore our relationship with God. He came to conquer sin and death once and for all. He came to give us life – abundantly and eternally. He came to teach, heal, and save. He came to bring us hope, peace, and joy. He brought light where there was nothing but darkness. He came to forgive. He came to die.
But, He rose again! He rose triumphantly over sin, death, hell, and the grave!
Yes, this baby boy was much more than just a cute little baby boy. He was fully God as well as fully man. He had a purpose, and it was all about us. He is the very reason we celebrate this most wonderful holiday.
What if you were in Mary’s shoes? What would you “ponder in your heart?” What would go through your mind as you gave birth to the Savior of the World, the Hope of All Ages, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace? What goes through your mind now as you contemplate the wonder of the Christmas season?
I hope you are enjoying the beauty and the fun traditions of the holiday. I hope you and your family make the best memories ever this year! But, most importantly, like Mary, my hope for you is that you take some time to “ponder these things in your heart.” Be sure to take time during this season to be still and quietly reflect on the very reason for our celebration. May you discover anew the miracle of this glorious time of year. Fall on your knees and join with the angels as they sing the wondrous praises of our magnificent Savior:
Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, good will to men!
Merry Christmas!
