In the midst of wrapping paper and bows and holiday shopping, buried beneath all the decorations and Christmas plans, is the true reason for the season. Somewhere lost between letters to Santa, Christmas lights, and all the other busyness that comes with the Christmas season, is the story of a baby born to save the world. The meaning is not completely lost though, for nativities and Christmas carols remind us even when we’re not looking for it that Christmas is about God’s son.
Two thousand years ago, a baby was born in a manger, and a Heavenly Host of Angels announced His arrival to nearby shepherds. This baby would grow up to one day die a terrible death for the sins of all mankind. The Messiah had come…the Savior was here.
Ironically, that first Christmas night found Jesus and His purpose lost in the shuffle of the world’s busyness and preparations too. No, not the Christmas season, but the time when Caesar Agustus had issued a census and taxation for everyone under his power. Because of this census, each person had to go to the land of his lineage to be counted. This meant a lot of traveling. Anyone who has been on a big trip before knows how much planning, preparations, and craziness that can go into traveling. By the time Joseph and Mary made it to Bethlehem, they were tired, worn, and ready to get a good night’s sleep in a local inn. Well, there was no room left in any of the local inns, so they had to settle for a stable instead. They faced rejection after rejection, as Mary’s labor pains worsened, until finally an inn-keeper took pity on them and let them stay with the horses in his stable. So it was in a manger that Jesus was first laid after His arrival into the world on that night long ago.
There had been no room left in the inn…everyone was too busy, too full of people and preparations. Well, not everyone…there were the shepherds and the Angels, and the wise-men who came later. But, ultimately, there was too much going on for anyone to notice or care about the birth of Jesus.
Is it very different today than it was two thousand years ago when God gave the first Christmas gift to the world: His son? There was no room left for Jesus in the inn, but is there any room left for Him today? Or are we too caught up with busyness and preparations to realize the reason that we celebrate?
Christmas isn’t about presents or decorations, candy-canes or Christmas cookies, Christmas trees or snowmen. Sure, all those things are great! But the true meaning of Christmas is that Jesus came to earth, lived His whole life as a servant, then gave His very life just so we could have the promise of eternal life. It was the best present ever given, and nothing will ever match it. Christmas isn’t about getting things, it’s about giving; giving love, hope, peace, joy, and mercy to all. It’s about remembering what God has done for us, and what He is doing in our individual lives now. It’s about a baby who was born in a stable long ago, and a star that led seekers to the Messiah. It’s about joy that came to the world on a night when few realized it. Most of all, It’s about the gift of life that is open for all.
So as you decorate your tree and shop for presents this season, remember why we celebrate. Don’t let the busyness of the season force you to say there’s no room left in the inn this year. Have a wonderful Christmas, and don’t forget the reason for the season! Blessings and fullness of joy to all!
-HK
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