“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.” (Luke 2:2-6)
Merry Christmas Eve, my friends. With all the hustle and bustle of the season it is easy to become frustrated and short with those around us. We often allow ourselves to get caught up in the frantic pace and forget what we are supposed to be celebrating.
I awoke this morning thinking about this day. For me it is another work day as it is for many of you. I have a thousand things to get done before I go in, so it’s just another day in paradise for me. I think back to ancient Bethlehem on this day and evening. Businesses were going about their normal routine, housewives were cleaning their homes, the menfolk were working, bills had to be paid, laundry had to be done, the kids had to go off to schul (school) like normal. Daily life. It’s interesting to note that this was tax season for them – that’s why Joseph and Mary were in the city to begin with. All this activity yet within a few feet or blocks the Savior of the world was set to be born.
Think of that for a moment. While they were grinding through the normal routine of their daily lives the greatest event in the history of the world was set to occur. They were busy. They were blind. They were totally unaware. No fault of theirs, really. After all, Christmas wasn’t a thing back then. They had the Jewish festivals and feasts to celebrate and, of course, between them life went on as usual.
How about you? We often get so busy we forget that the next moment may bring something so big, so important that our lives will forever be changed. We have forgotten in our modern world to look for the supernatural, for the hand of God in our lives. We are only one phone call, one knock on the door, one “chance” encounter with someone out in public away from a forever miracle in our lives.
So many are struggling financially right now. So many are depressed (or at least struggling mentally) during this season. So many are lonely, afraid, scared, homeless, whatever right now. Although many are starting preparations for family get-togethers, parties at work, etc, there are millions around the world still seeking peace and comfort. Millions will fight hunger today, millions will die for their faith at the hands of the infidels today, hundreds of thousands will have to choose between paying their bills or eating today. The world today is much like it was in Joseph and Mary’s time. Yet much like the people of ancient Bethlehem we remain unaware that the God of all creation has chosen a day much like today to invade our earth with His very Presence, to bring the answer to all our needs quietly, unassumedly, away from all the hype and shiny tinsel and lights. Silently He comes as a baby.
Today I challenge you to find a few minutes to settle your spirit, slow your pace, and reflect on what this means for you. You may be battling health issues today, you may be struggling with addictions today, you may have relationship problems with which you are wrestling today. It would be so much easier to just crawl into a deep hole and hide until this season of joy and love is behind. Sadly, many will find it easier to crawl into a bottle and hide at the bottom to drown out all the laughter, music, and beauty around them. Others will choose the escape of suicide during this season because it is just too much and they see no way out of their circumstances. I challenge you, my dear friend, to have hope. I challenge you to cling to the promises of God to you. I challenge you to reach out to someone – anyone. If you are struggling, please reach out for help. Don’t be too proud to ask and receive what you need. If you are blessed, happy, and overflowing with the goodness of God today, I plead with you to reach out to someone you know who is struggling. Sometimes just a phone call is all it takes to lift someone’s spirits. Other times it may require more – helping them find help, praying with them, maybe even (gasp) opening your pockets to help them financially. A warm meal, a nice long hug, a word of encouragement, or more may just be what it takes to get someone through until…
On this blustery, busy Christmas eve, I pray God’s richest and best blessings over you and your home. May the same God Who silently slipped into our world come to you today and find Himself at home in your heart. May you and yours have a warm, happy, and healthy Christmas, and may your new year offer prospects of hope and prosperity. And if, just by chance, you start feeling like you are all alone in this world please remember you are loved by at least two: Jesus, Who gave His life for you and offers you all He has in exchange for your adoration and love, and me – who walks this road of life with you and daily prays for you.
Be blessed.
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