Today is Christmas around the world. Many people will gather together to share a meal and gifts. If you will have children in your home the excitable energy may be contagious. We love to watch our little ones as their faces dance with joy and wonder. However, there are many homes where the traditional gathering will not take place but emptiness and loneliness will reign. Disappointment and feeling forgotten can cause an emotional flood as well. Both sides live in danger of repeating the answer of long ago–no room for Christ. 

“The time came for her to give birth; and she gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him in cloth and laid him down in a feeding trough, because there was no space for them in the living-quarters.” (Luke 2:6-7) Are your living-quarters too full today to welcome the One we say we honor?

You may be overwhelmed with worldly pleasure or deep, dark sadness. Either way is only temporary and will soon pass but the gift we received through the birth we celebrate is unchanging and forever. As you begin this day, pause to reflect, bringing the gift of your undivided attention to the miracle event of over 2000 years ago. Let him have the seat of honor. Retell the story.

In my home we will sing Happy Birthday to Jesus before a present is opened. It may seem silly but I’m sure it makes Jesus smile because his name will be on our lips today. Even if you have dreaded the arrival of this day you still have breath in your lungs and a reason to recognize the gift of Christ. He is the “Good News that will bring great joy to all the people. This very day, in the town of David, there was born for you a Deliverer who is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)

Merry Christmas!