A CROWDED CHRISTMAS

Three days before Christmas and it seems like it's crowded and busy everywhere.  Traffic on the roads and in parking lots is clogged. Airports are full of people on the move. People in long lineups wait to have their purchases scanned and paid for.  People, people everywhere!

Jesus was born into a busy crowded world.  His parents, along with thousands of others, had to leave their hometown and travel several days on foot to get to the crowded city of Bethlehem so the census ordered by the Roman government could be taken.  The only place Mary and Joseph could find to rest was in a smelly cave which housed animals.  That’s where Jesus was born. 

When the world around us is busy, it's easy to feel forgotten and uncared for.  The needs we have might go unseen and unmet by others.  We are left alone to sort out challenges that are made harder by the many events of the holiday season.  Life feels unmanageable and we are faced with our own powerlessness. 

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.  (2 Thessalonians 3:16 NLT)

Whatever we are feeling during these busy times before Christmas Day, God invites us to stop, take a break, and be filled with His presence and peace.  The birth of Jesus Christ demonstrates clearly that God sees us, God cares about us, and if invited, will come close to us.  Jesus became a human being and entered our earthly experiences and our pain.  He can sympathize with all our weaknesses.  If we invite Him, God is truly with us in every situation.

“Comfort, yes, comfort My people!”  Says your God.  (Isaiah 40:1 NKJV)

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, Help me not to get caught up in the mad rush of these pre-Christmas days. Help me to take this day one moment at a time and give thanks for your love and grace in sending Jesus into the world to be my Saviour.  Amen