God sent His Son to us — the One who came to take away the sins of the world – and He allowed Him to be born to a young virgin and in a dirty barn. He allowed Him, the King of Kings, to be born without earthly fanfare. He was born in Bethlehem and the only people who came to see him were the shepherds from the fields and later the wise men from the East.
This lowly birth for the King of kings and Lord of lords.
I consider this and look at the spectacular events to commemorate His birth — incredible programs with light shows, drive-through nativity scenes, musical events, and so much more. Thousands of dollars and hundreds of man hours are spent to celebrate the birth of our Savior – and I’m not saying it’s wrong or maybe I am.
We worry if every child has a gift to open on Christmas day, but we don’t consider the thousands of children who have no homes or food.
We want to help our neighbors during the Christmas season, but we are not that interested in April.
What if instead of the $500 or $10,000 we spend on our incredible Christmas extravaganza we pool all that money together and build housing for homeless children and families? Think about what 100 churches could do in just ONE YEAR!
What if instead of an incredible Broadway -worthy show about the amazing gift of His birth, we read the scriptures over a cup of cider and a hot bowl of soup? And the money saved, we serve that soup every week and share a scripture every week.
God’s Word is where we find the incredible –– not on a platform or in a choir loft.
I wonder what Jesus, who was born in that dirty manger, thinks about us as we create these programs but forget the people we are trying to reach.
What if we decide to do Christmas every month of the year?
What kind of difference would we make?
AMEN!!!!!!!!
It’s a good idea!
I love you!! I love this post and the message of your heart. Your desire to see lives changed 365 days a year instead of just one day. That lone day of Christ’s birth is meant to impact us to action the other 364 days a year! Our family delivered toys to some families last night that didn’t have a single gift under their tree. And you know what my daughter said as we were shopping for those gifts? “You know, it really is fun to shop for someone else.” He sent His Son so that we could love others, not keep that love all to ourselves. He has purpose and reason for instilling in us a need to give to others. Have a very Merry Christmas, sweet Mary!!
Oh Mary, Amen.
Christmas is in April and July and every interaction with another person. Loved this post. You are a treasure and a friendship the Lord has gifted to me.
Have a peaceful Christmas filled with laughter. BIG hugs, Lynn
Great post…full of so much truth for us all. What good is the fanfare if the true meaning is lost?
I pray your Christmas was wonderful and your New Year be both blessed and prosperous.