I
have a confession: I’ve been watching Christmas movies with our daughter for
much longer than a couple of months. 
Matter of fact, it wasn’t even Trunk or Treat (our Halloween
alternative) at ECC when we were watching “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and
“Polar Express” but the happiest Christmas feeling I received was in
mid-November when Dani wanted to read her “Christmas book.”

 

Her
Christmas book is a toddler’s version of the Christmas story.  I have read this book to her many, many times
but on this night, she wanted to read it to me. 
I sat her in my lap and she took the book and said, “Shhh, Dada.  I’m gonna read to you.” 

 

I
whispered, “okay, baby” and she opened her book.

 

And
to my amazement, she recited the story of Mary and Joseph and Jesus.  With every turn of the page, I could hardly
contain my excitement as she knew what part of the story belonged with the
pictures.  I was almost in tears!

 

Oh,
to see the story of Jesus through the eyes of a child.  May we capture the wonder over the next
twelve days (You do know that Christmas is actually a twelve day celebration
and that’s why the song is “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” right?).

 

May
we remember how the world changed in the life of Jesus.

 

May
we remember how our lives changed that night in Bethlehem as well.

 

The
Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

We
have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only,

who
came from the Father, full of grace and truth…

No
one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only,

who
is at the Father’s side, has made him known”

John
1:14,18

 

The
great gulf between humanity and holiness was bridged by our Savior, Jesus
Christ.  Enjoy this day of family and
friends, but please—please—don’t let the real “magic” of Christmas go away with
the shredded wrapping paper. 

 

Take
a long hard look at the nativity scene…and never forget what that Baby in that
manger gave up for you and me.  Happy,
Happy Christmas to humanity indeed!

 

Verse
1

O come all ye faithful

Joyful and triumphant

O come ye O come ye to
Bethlehem

Come and behold Him

Born the King of angels

 

Verse
2

Sing choirs of angels

Sing in exultation

O sing all ye bright

Hosts of heav’n above

Glory to God

All glory in the highest

 

Verse
3

Yea Lord we greet Thee

Born this happy morning

Jesus to Thee be all
glory giv’n

Word of the Father

Now in flesh appearing

 

Chorus

O come let us adore Him

O come let us adore Him

O come let us adore Him

Christ the Lord

 

“O
Come All Ye Faithful”

C.
Frederick Oakeley | John Francis Wade

Public
Domain

 

 

Here
are some suggestions for reading and meditation to help you keep the real
spirit of Christmas:

  • Psalm
    8
  • Psalm
    96
  • Psalm
    98
  • Psalm
    148
  • Isaiah
    60:1-6
  • Matthew
    1:18-24
  • Matthew
    2:13-23
  • Luke
    2:1-20
  • Song:
    “One King” (by David Phelps)
  • Song:
    “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” (I’m partial to the “Casting Crowns”
    version)
  • Song:
    “He Made A Way in a Manger (by Vicky Beeching)
  • Song:
    “In the First Light” (I’m partial to the version by “Point of Grace”)