This Christmas, things are different. While every year, some are not getting together with family, suffering from sorrow due to loss, or suffering economic setbacks, this year has more of us falling into one, two or all three of these categories. It is easy to get caught up with self pity, especially at Christmas. We are used to Christmas being a fun and festive time. We forget about the real reason for the season.
The real reason for the season is the birth of Jesus. Let’s go back and look at that time. Mary and Joseph had just traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem. They had walked more than 70 miles, with Mary being nine months pregnant. They made this trip because the government ordered them to go to be counted for the census. They got there and the only place to stay was in a manger, with the animals. Soon after arriving, Mary gave birth to Jesus. But Mary could not just rest and recover. Shepherds and wise men came. And soon Mary and Joseph would have to walk at least another 50 miles, because the government was threatening to kill all new born children, because they felt threatened by Jesus. It was not the fun celebrations that we have become accustomed to.
But despite all that , it was a time of joy and celebration. Angels shepherds and wise men all came singing Glory to God in the highest, Peace on earth and good will to all men. Even in the difficulties that were present, joy, excitement, happiness and love were the message of the day.
So my prayer for this Christmas is this. May all my friends and family, where ever they may be, know of both my love for them as well as the love Jesus has for them. May they all feel the joy and excitement of God among them. May they all know personal peace on earth and good will toward men. And may God bless each and every one of them today. But most important, may we always be more thankful for what we have than we are sad about what we do not.