CHRISTmas

A tiny baby, didn’t make a big splash when he was born. Poor parents, no bed for his mother to lay in, his birth attended by a lowly carpenter, a donkey, some sheep, maybe a camel or two, thousands of angels and the God of the universe. Angels who begged to come down and herald the birth all over the world. Angels who asked to be placed on protective detail so the baby would come to no harm. An army of angels ready to take flight to keep the enemy at bay. Angels held in check with two words, “not yet.”

One angel released to spread the news, to a newspaper? To a king? To a large city? No, to shepherds. Despised, dirty, stinky sheep herders. Not the most learned of men, but they got the message and leaving their flock untended, off they went to find the baby. And they worshipped him.

This baby, born from all the love God had for his human creations. Full to the overflowing with love, Jesus came to live among us. He came to be us, to live life as human, with all the frailties that entails. Skinned knees, broken bones, hurt feelings, hunger pangs all to be experienced in the next 30 plus years.

His day came, and his ministry started. He opened his arms to the weak, the sick, the young and the old, then one day he opened his arms on the cross and his love was felt as never before. His death was witnessed by his mother, two thieves, several Roman soldiers and thousands of angels. Angels begging to be in the rescue party, to bring the favored son back safely. Angels standing with swords drawn aimed at the heads of Roman soldiers. Angels at the ready to bind up his wounds and heal him. Angels kept in heaven with a heartbreaking “not now.”

This baby, laid in a borrowed tomb, rose to walk among us again. His resurrection witnessed by three women, numerous disciples, thousands of angels, and the God of the universe. Angels sitting around the throne praising his name, lifting him gloriously up to his Father. The love of the Father through the Son poured out on all mankind.

As we approach the time that the world has chosen to celebrate his birth, I rejoice that his name is spoken more often. It tickles me that Jesus is front and center and people think of him. I am thankful he was born, but I am eternally grateful that he died, because through his death, I live.

Jesus is the reason IN the season.

Merry Christmas!

Stevie

Copyright 2009 Stevie Stevens, Fort Worth, TX All rights reserved.
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