“Christmas is a comin’ and the geese are getting fat.” I’m not sure what that has to do with anything. But, for Christians, we have super-imposed on this secular holiday season a spiritual overlay, one that captures the imagination and spiritual wonder. True, commercialism has taken over the “spirit” of Christmas (whatever that is). True, for many Jesus is not the reason for the season. But Christians live in a parallel, higher universe (beyond this secular one), one in which the faithful do come and “adore Him.” Where we sing “Noel, Noel” and “Joy to the World” with heart and emotion that is genuinely fixed to the grace and love of God in Christ.
Long ago, on a silent night, a holy night, those three kings came following a star of wonder, to a little town of Bethlehem. There was no “first Christmas tree” no tinsel, no mistletoe and no eggnog. But angels were heard on high, praising God, proclaiming peace on earth, good will to all people.
Let me encourage you to spend some time in front of a manger scene and allow your mind to drift back to that day, imagining the God-baby freshly laid in the cattle feeding trough. Smell the hay, listen to the sounds, feel the barn board and the cold nip in the air. Contemplate the infinite, creator God being born as a child, inhabiting and experiencing the very humanity He created. Filled with awe and wonder, I can only believe that heaven stood still in amazement.
It really did happen, just like the Scripture says. Christ was born! Praise God.
Among all the glitz, and lights in Hamburg these days, we, several years ago, discovered a simple waist up nativity scene with the 3 statues only, “Joseph” holding up a lantern, “Mary” looking at the babe in a manger… Best display I’ve ever seen. Stopped by last year asking where they got the scene… naturally from a store at the Mall afterwards closed… Each year we return to pause there, and again be reminded of the love of the Father to send his only son to us, on schedule, “in the fullness of the time”, as Paul wrote… Merry Christmas, all !