December 25, 2010: Christmas

Remember that the most important gift you can receive and give during this Christmas season is love! God is with us and God is love!

When the angels went away, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Most High has made known to us.” And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. (Luke 2:15-16)

Have you ever really thought about the day Jesus was born? Did you know that a manger is a feeding trough for animals? Do you realize that Mary and Joseph were homeless, and that Mary gave birth to Jesus in a shelter for animals? They were not at home and they could not find a place to stay.
Sometimes we have a hard time realizing the facts surrounding Jesus’ birth. The first people to welcome Jesus were shepherds; they were probably dirty and smelly. The conditions that first Christmas were lacking just about every human need except love.

Action:

Whatever you do this Christmas day, be thankful for everything you have.
Thank God for Jesus and the people in your life who provide you with many blessings! Remember that the most important gift you can receive and give during this Christmas season is love! God is with us and God is love!
May you have a joyful Christmas!