Prepare for Christmas...Journey to the Manger

Messenger: Don’t be afraid! Listen! I bring good news, 
news of great joy, news that will affect all people everywhere. 
Today, in the city of David, a Liberator has been born for you! 
He is the promised Anointed One, the Supreme Authority! 
You will know you have found Him when you see a baby, 
wrapped in a blanket, lying in a feeding trough. 
At that moment, the first heavenly messenger was joined 
by thousands of other messengers--
a vast heavenly choir. They praised God.
 Heavenly Choir: To the highest heights of the universe, glory to God!
    And on earth, peace among all people who bring pleasure to God!
Luke 2:10 - 14 VOICE

In less than two weeks, the majority of the United States and many others beyond our continental borders will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas morning. You don't have to be a believer of God to celebrate this joyful holiday, as many marketing gurus and business owners will probably agree. BUT I want to challenge us all this Christmas season, to prepare our hearts and focus on "Christ"mas. In spite of decorations and packaging being displayed in October, Christmas' meaning is much deeper and to celebrate the holiday, in the depths of one's heart, you acknowledge there is a God and one that sent His Only Son to earth to be born a babe. 

I celebrated many a Christmas with my focus on Santa Claus and the "magic" of the holiday. Is this a "magical" time of year? Many will say yes, but I want to challenge you today, to reflect on the reason for this miraculous holiday. It isn't about magic, but about the Spirit, the Spirit of God sent to earth in the form of a Babe in a manger. It's Christmas Spirit surrounding, filling, and guiding us this time of year. Rather than let the Christmas chaos consume us, let God into your heart and embrace, share, and absorb the Spirit, Love, and Sacrifice of this joyous time.

It's not about the stockings, packages, baking, cooking, or events ~ it's about God sending Jesus to be born in a manger, on a bed of hay in a feeding trough. Don't fill the bottom of the tree with empty gifts this year, instead, take a moment and see what hope-filled gift you could create for your loved ones that will bring pure joy to their heart and a keepsake their cherish for years to come. 

Mary and Joseph kneeled on a dirt floor with tears of joy in their eyes. Their faith provided the glimmer, sparkle, and joy that first Christmas morning as they accepted a Gift for the entire world...Jesus Christ. 

As soon as the heavenly messengers disappeared into heaven, 
the shepherds were buzzing with conversation.

Shepherds: Let’s rush down to Bethlehem right now! 
Let’s see what’s happening! 
Let’s experience what the Lord has told us about!

So they ran into town, and eventually they found Mary and Joseph 
and the baby lying in the feeding trough. 
After they saw the baby, they spread the story 
of what they had experienced and what had been said to them about this child. 
Everyone who heard their story couldn’t stop thinking about its meaning. 
Mary, too, pondered all of these events, treasuring each memory in her heart.

The shepherds returned to their flocks,
 praising God for all they had seen and heard, 
and they glorified God for the way the experience 
had unfolded just as the heavenly messenger had predicted.
Luke 2:15 - 20 VOICE

Are you "rushing" to Bethlehem this Christmas?