A Christmas Story

A chilly wind blew across the land, but the skies were clear, while stars twinkled above. Mary and Joseph searched for a place to settle in for the night. They, like many of the people who crowded the city, had come to Bethlehem of Judea for taxation, as decreed by Caesar Augustus. Mary was at full term in her pregnancy with baby Jesus. Amid all the hustle and bustle, Jesus lay asleep, secure in His mother’s womb.

Perhaps, because of the long journey she had made riding on a donkey, over rough terrain, Mary went into labor on the way. Though physically weary and experiencing labor pains, she  anxiety filled her heart because her husband, Joseph, could not find a place for them to rest. He too, she knew, was extremely exhausted because he had walked for days over hills, valleys, and rough terrain, his feet blistered and bleeding, so that Mary, his pregnant wife, could ride. After many refusals by inn- keepers,and amid the hustle and bustle, they heard the complaints of many people who resented the fact that Mary and Joseph should receive preferential treatment because of Mary’s condition.

“We are all tired too” They grumbled.

Eventually, the young couple was offered a place among the animals, in a cave used as a stable. Settling in, Mary delivered baby Jesus. Both she and Joseph marveled at their newborn son. To them, he was the most beautiful child they had ever seen. Despite, being a newborn, the infant already seemed full of wisdom.

Meanwhile, on a hill, nearby, shepherds sat around a fire tending their sheep. They tried to keep themselves warm and stay awake by sitting close together and chatting. Suddenly, they were astounded to see the brightest illumination ever, in the sky above them, and more stunning, the appearance of an angel announcing the birth of Jesus. (Luke 2:10). Although they could not believe their eyes or ears, and shaken by the sight of a gigantic heavenly being, they arose as one and hurried along, in a daze, following the star, their hearts still pounding from the unexpected appearance of the terrifying apparition .

Once they arrived, they knelt and worshiped before the baby, presenting him with a lamb, which represented the Lamb that would be led to the slaughter, in later years. Much farther afield, wise men from the East, espied the Star, and started on their journey in search of the child.. They had seen the star which had been prophesied concerning the birth of Jesus. ‘Behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel (God with us). (Isa.
7:14.) They stopped for guidance at Herod’s palace. He asked, that once they had  found Jesus, they should return and tell him so that he too could go and worship. Herod, actually, had no intention of worshiping Jesus, but wanted to kill the infant, because he felt threatened by the birth of Jesus, whom many said would rule the people of Israel. (Matt.2:6).

The wise men arrived at the stable, worshiped before Jesus, and presented him with gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh.  (Gold was considered a gift worthy of a King; Frankincense, resin from a tree used for incense to worship God; Myrrh, a herb used for anointing, burial embalming, anesthetic or as perfume).Afterwards, the wise-men went home by a different route and did not inform Herod, because an angel had warned them of his evil intentions. The king of kings, Lamb of God, and Word of God, thrived and was protected by the Father.When the time came, He would accomplish the purpose for which the Father had sent Him into the world. By His sacrifice on the cross, He would give mankind the gift of eternal life, so that all men would become sons of God. Through this sacrifice, also, man would become co-inheritors of all things in the kingdom of Heaven.

As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember what this season is about. It is a season of spiritual rebirth
for all mankind. .Let the redeemed of the Lord give thanks for the gift of eternal life and join the Heavenly Hosts singing, “Silent Night, Holy Night, Glory Hallelujah to the King of Kings! The Savior of the world.

copyrighted 2012.