Embrace the Christmas spirit

Get in the Christmas Spirit by reading the gospel accounts of Jesus’ birth. In Luke 2, read about the angel unexpectedly appearing to the shepherds to announce that a Savior had been born. The angel said: “Do not be afraid for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For born this day in the city of David is the Savior, who is Christ the Lord. You will find the Child wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.” (Notice the term Savior). Suddenly, a heavenly choir burst forth from the Judean hillside, singing: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”  Join the shepherds on their walk to Bethlehem. Peep inside the stable and see the Christ Child lying in a manger. 

Then read Matthew 2 about the wise men (called magi) coming from a faraway land to honor the Christ Child. Gaze into the night sky from ancient Babylon to see a bright star rise and hover over the Holy Land– an astrological sign a king had been born. Travel with the magi by camel on the 800 mile journey from Babylon to Jerusalem. Hear the magi ask King Herod where the child was born. Listen to Herod’s advisors who respond that the child would be born in Bethlehem based on Micah 5; 2. Track the star with the wise men to the house where the child lived. Accompany the magi inside the house where they present the child with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Hear King Herod order his militia to kill all male children in the region who were two years old or less. Escape into Egypt with Mary, Joseph and Jesus to prevent the young child’s death. Ride on a camel alongside Joseph, Mary, and the little child as they depart Egypt and return to Nazareth of Galilee. 

Fast forward 30 years and observe Jesus approach the bank of the Jordan River to be baptized by John the Baptist. As Jesus comes up out of the water, listen to God say, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” Fast forward three years to accompany Jesus to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. Before departing, listen to Jesus say to His disciples: “In Jerusalem, the Son of man will be delivered to the high priests who will condemn him to death by crucifixion.  On the third day, He will be raised from the dead.” Jesus’ resurrection from the dead means that He paid the penalty for our sins—the reason we should embrace the Christmas Spirit. Merry Christmas to all!