There are very few times during the calendar year that are as special as the Christmas season. Even Easter, which is probably the most significant event in Christianity, cannot eclipse the wonder and magic of Christmas. Indeed, the whole world seems to come together to celebrate some aspect of the age-old story of the Christ child who came from Heaven to earth, in the form of a tiny infant, to ultimately grow up and save us from our sins by dying on a cross, approximately 33 years later. It is a story filled with wonder, from start to finish, with tales of his earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, a humble stable filled with animals, shepherds on the hills watching over their sheep at night, angels proclaiming the glorious birth of Jesus, and three wise men who came from the east to worship the son of God. It is a true and timeless story of how much God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
Even the commercialization of Christmas cannot take away from the awesomeness and truth of the miracle of the birth of Jesus. When we think about baby Jesus, I am reminded of just how special the birth of our own children and grandchildren really is. I have two grown children and two young grandchildren, and they mean the world to me. I cannot imagine what my life would have looked liked, had I not had children and then the added blessing of precious grandchildren. Some days, it seems like they are the only thing that makes life worth living. Of course, we know that is not true, but they are the very best of what life has to offer us in this weary and worn-out world.
There has been a very special and miraculous birth in my husband’s family recently, and even my own two grandchildren seem like miracles of creation. My sweet and loving grandson, Jeremy, is now six years old; he was born ten weeks premature and was in hospital until his due date. At birth, he weighed three pounds and one ounce, but he has done very well with his growth and development; he is an extremely smart and caring little boy and is a constant source of joy and entertainment. My little granddaughter, Charlotte, is turning three years old this month, and once again, she came unexpectedly, during the height of the global pandemic, when my daughter and son-in-law were unsure if there would be a second child at all. She is so precocious, funny, and adorable; a constant source of laughter and happiness. She is, however, very strong willed and does keep us on our toes! It is my dearest hope and dream to live long enough to see what they do with their young lives and how life will turn out for them. I earnestly pray that they will be saved at a young age and that God will always be their guide. Even now, Jeremy really loves Jesus.
Today, in 2023, we can look towards the signs of the times and be sure that the second coming of Christ is closer than it has ever been. As we celebrate the birthday of Jesus, let’s remember all the reasons we have to be thankful this Christmas, with Christ at the center of it all. Without his miraculous virgin birth, death on the cross and resurrection on the third day, mankind would most surely be lost and doomed forever. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for providing us with your everlasting and all encompassing love, hope, and eternal salvation!
Merry Christmas everyone!
