Christmas over 2000 years ago. The changes are evident, yet the reason behind the season remains consistent, today and forever. 

As we hustle around, jumping into our cars, preparing to take trips to the big cities for shopping, Mary and Joseph hopped on the back of a donkey and prepared for a big trip to Bethlehem.  As we drive around the mall parking lot searching for the nearest vacant spot, Mary and Joseph searched the town of Bethlehem for a vacant room to give birth to Jesus.  As we gather together in a warm house filled with the smells of our favorite holiday dishes, the family of Jesus gathered in a crowded stable filled with the smells of nearby animals.  And as we look to map quest for directions to grandma’s house, the wise men looked to the sky for a star that would lead them to the King. 
 
Oh, how times have changed since the birth of our Jesus.  But I am reminded of one fact that has not changed over the years.  That fact is that in the stable that special night in Bethlehem, all those years ago, a holy infant was born.  And word of this holy infant spread throughout the lands.  The angels sang praises and shepherds came to worship Him.  When the people came to see this little bundle wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger, they could sit and stare in awe at the miracle that was unfolding about them.  This was no ordinary baby.  This baby was fulfilling the prophecies they had heard about.  This baby had come to save the world.
 
As a Christian, as someone who loves Jesus with all her heart, I am compelled to share with others the miracle that happened that day.  You see, although it has been many years since Jesus was born, the miracle of His birth still needs to be shared with people.  Just as people walked the earth all those years ago, searching to catch a glimpse of this baby, this boy, this man named Jesus, we also have people all around us searching for that relationship with this one man named Jesus. 
 
I love the words that Jesus’ mother, Mary, spoke when the angels delivered the news that she was going to give birth to the son of God.  She said, “I am the Lord’s servant.  May it be to me as you have said.” 
 
What faith this young woman had!  Was she scared?  Probably.  Was she nervous about giving birth to God’s Son?  I would guess so.  Was she unsure of what the future held?  Sure.  But was she obedient and willing to do as God asked her to do?  Definitely, yes. 
 
That’s what I want to be like! Will some people think I’m strange for believing in the birth of Jesus?  Probably.  Will some people want to walk away from me when I try telling them that the Savior of the world was born in a stable 2000 years ago?  I would guess so.  Will some people smile politely and say this religious stuff isn’t for them?  Sure.  But will it be worth it when even one person comes to realize that the real reason behind the Christmas season is to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Savior of the world?  Definitely, yes.
 
I am going to pray that as we go about this holiday season, we ask God for the boldness to share with people about our relationship with Jesus.  That He will give us all we need to give people the real meaning behind the holiday season.  That we share the real story about the first Christmas just as it is recorded in the bible in Luke 2.  People searched for Him all those years ago.  And people are continuing to search for the love and peace that He offers.  May God bless you as you spread the word of the true meaning of this Christmas season!

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