The Night Before Christmas - repost

So, it’s the night before Christmas. What are you doing? Are you getting all dressed up for a party, or snuggling in jammies with family? Will the wrapping paper be strewn all over the house? How long will it take for the first toy to be broken?  

I just can’t help thinking about the first Christmas. Last year it was rainy and 38 degrees in Bethlehem. What would the temperature be inside a stable, barn or cave?

As Mary walked into her delivery room and the pains were coming, what was she thinking? No smiling nurses, bright lights, or reassuring words were spoken. A manger would be her son’s bed. It wasn't a glittered covered manger. It was smelly, full of animals. Mary shared the straw with mice and spiders. Lantern light, the sound of animals shuffling in the manure filled bedding was the ambiance.

What did she know of her son’s future? Was she concerned about being a good enough mother?  How do you mother a Savior?

Our thoughts are with Mary, but what about Jesus. Jesus became schema - a king who exchanged his kingly garments for a brief period of time for the clothing of a beggar.

The pain came in waves crashing into each other until finally Jesus, the Savior of the world was born. No running water to clean up, no heated blankets to comfort a worn out body. No baby blue hand knitted cap was placed on the child's head. Even though - the hand of God was there. Sacrifice was there. Mercy was there. Grace was there. Salvation was there.

All of this was for one reason. You.

My wish is that everyone have a Very Merry Christmas and enjoy the day totally. My hope is that we don’t lose the real reason in the pile of torn up wrapping paper.