[Faith-talk] Celebration by Ruth Andrews

[Paul]

The biblical account of Jesus' birth in Luke 2 is very familiar to us.  We know about the inn where there was no room.  Many people had come to Bethlehem to register for the tax.  In fact, facilities were so crowded that Joseph and Mary had to seek refuge in a stable.  Some are very critical of the innkeeper who turned them away, even though no innkeeper is mentioned in the Bible.  Perhaps you say that you would not have turned them away, but we have the perspective of this side of the Cross.

Do we not at times shut out the Lord? We celebrate the birth of Jesus by spending time with family and friends and going to musical programs at church.  These things are important and special to us.  Still, we can be guilty of becoming so busy at Christmas that we find ourselves having time for everyone and everything but Jesus, even though we do not intend to leave Jesus out.

We want to remember friends and family with gifts, spending time and money so that we can give just the right ones.  Some, though, lose sight of why we give and try to impress others by how much they spend.

Consider those who visited the Child in Bethlehem.  The shepherds who came to the stable on the night of Jesus' birth were near the bottom of the economic ladder, yet God chose them to be the first visitors.  The wise men, who came later, were highly regarded.  They were rich and brought expensive gifts.  Whether we celebrate Christmas elaborately or simply is not as important as keeping Jesus as our focus.

At Christmas we remember to share with those in need, and this is good, but we can share the Christmas message of love throughout the year.  Here are a few suggestions.

Volunteer your time at a school or in some other community service.  Send a note to a friend telling that person how much you appreciate his or her friendship.  Reassure that person of your support and friendship.  Visit people who live alone, perhaps taking something you have made.  As we enter a new year, more ideas will probably come to mind, for needs occur year-round.

Let us allow the special music, the lights, the gatherings of family and friends, and the gifts to glorify the Lord.  This is a special time to honor God, who sent Jesus as a human baby, God's greatest gift, to reveal His love for us.

The foregoing first appeared in Christian Life magazine for December 2004.  It is the hope and prayer of the undersigned that this devotional article was a blessing to you.  Until tomorrow when, Lord willing another similar article will be presented, I remain your obedient servant of the One who came to live on earth, die for us, and ever lives to bring us salvation, Paul Barnabas.