Christmas is a family holiday. People make a special effort to return home and be with family at Christmastime. For those of us who are unable to gather with family at Christmas, is it still possible to celebrate a full and rich Christmas without being fake? Joseph and Mary teach us that it is possible.
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. (Luke 2:1, 3-7 NIV)
At Christmas, we celebrate Jesus who chose displacement from heaven to come to earth to redeem us from the power of sin and give us life with God forever in heaven. This Christmas we need to look at our hearts before we look at our circumstances and see the amazing guest who shares this season with us. Life may not be as perfect as we would like it to be and we may struggle to cope, but, Jesus is with us! Wherever we are, let's ask Jesus to accompany us as we celebrate His birth this Christmas season.
Prayer: Blessed Lord Jesus, Thank You for coming to be with me in my imperfect world. I want to make room for you in my heart and share this day and this Christmas season together with You. Amen
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