It can get a little repetitive, Christmas that is. Grandma always giving you socks, always eating about five servings too much, watching and hoping that you did get them something they'll actually enjoy, trying to keep your kid from combusting from all the excitement, trying to wear your best smile even though you're so tired you're about to drop, wondering if your verbal thank you was enough or should I send a card, more cookies, more turkey, more stuffing, more pie, wondering where in world are we going to put all these new toys, being humbled by the generosity of our loved ones, and trying oh' so hard to put it all in perspective and recall what it was all about.
Remembering that there really was no room in the inn, that a young girl and her confused husband found themselves cold and alone in a barn full of hay. No doctors, no helpers, not even a blanket or a bed, but a feed box and some rags.
Forced to lay their special baby down where no one should ever sleep.
As the holiday is wearing off and "normal" life returns, I'm still so blessed to be the recipient of the greatest gift ever given. And amazed that it was given because God is pleased with me. How unworthy I feel at times. This year I hope that among all the gifts I've been given, I hope I refuse to let this one get dusty in the corner.
Remembering that there really was no room in the inn, that a young girl and her confused husband found themselves cold and alone in a barn full of hay. No doctors, no helpers, not even a blanket or a bed, but a feed box and some rags.
Forced to lay their special baby down where no one should ever sleep.
But to know it was all perfect. It was exactly as it was said it would be. 
6-7While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.
An Event for Everyone 8-12There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."
13-14At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
15-18As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.
19-20Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they'd been told!
An Event for Everyone 8-12There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."
13-14At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
15-18As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.
19-20Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they'd been told!
As the holiday is wearing off and "normal" life returns, I'm still so blessed to be the recipient of the greatest gift ever given. And amazed that it was given because God is pleased with me. How unworthy I feel at times. This year I hope that among all the gifts I've been given, I hope I refuse to let this one get dusty in the corner.Merry Christmas, may the gift of Christ be recognized every day of your life.
No comments:
Post a Comment