Remember the Reason

As we draw ever closer to Christmas Day and the remembrance of Jesus’ humble entrance into His human existence on Earth, it can be very easy to get caught up in the trappings of the “holiday season” and miss the true meaning of it all. This is not a new problem, and I don’t have a new way to combat it. This is just my way of reminding myself (and maybe you) to keep sight of the reason we celebrate. I hope you enjoy it.

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Remember the Reason

Once again, it’s the time for shopping galore –

For greeting cards, presents, and oh, so much more!

Christmas carols are heard in the mall, from the steeple.

“Merry Christmas” is wished by some kind-hearted people.

It seems there is plenty of cheer in the air,

As “Sleigh Ride” and “Jingle Bells” ring on the square.

“Busy, busy,” I think, as I rush toward the door.

“I’ve got to make fudge, wrap some gifts, hit the store!”

But somehow … something’s missing from this Christmas scene.

Where are shepherds and the manger and angels with wings?

My brain is as cluttered as my dining room table,

And I wonder – was there clutter in that Bethlehem stable?

Slowly, my mind settles down to consider,

“Have I thought about Jesus … as much as Christmas dinner?”

So, I make a quick detour – just for a while –

To the Gospel of Luke, where I read of the Child:

The angelic visit announcing His coming,

To Mary, a virgin, who praised God for her calling;

Godly Joseph and the journey to Bethlehem town,

With no room – just a stable, where they bedded down;

The Baby’s arrival in the world He had made

Came with no royal decree and no kingly parade.

But out in a field, lowly shepherds got word,

“A Savior is born!” was the message they heard.

As Mary and Joseph watched the Savior sleep,

Did He wake when the shepherds rushed in from their sheep?

When they left, they praised God for all they had seen.

And I, too, rejoiced as I worshiped the King.

My cooking and shopping are still to be done,

But my time of reflection brought me back to the One.

He is the reason for hope and for joy –

Salvation was wrapped up in that tiny Boy.

As a helpless Baby, God came to the Earth,

And death’s grip was broken through that holy birth.

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When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. – Luke 2:15-17

Merry Christmas!