Tuesday, December 19

"Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.  Then the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be the sign to you:  You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.'  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, 'Let us now go into Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.'”
 
Peel away the layers of today’s frantic preparations for Christmas: shopping until you are exhausted, mountains of presents, yards of wrapping paper and ribbons, boxes of decorations, endless errands, cooking, addressing Christmas cards, party after party and more.  Then sit quietly to contemplate the real wonder of Christmas.
 
Over 2,000 years ago, our Savior was born humbly in a stable, surrounded by barn animals.  His birth was joyously heralded to shepherds by a choir of angels.  Those simple men could never have imagined the impact His birth would make on the whole world.  Close your eyes.  Shut out the hectic world and listen to that choir of angels.  You will feel the wonder, the awe, the love and joy that tiny baby brought to all the world.  Welcome Him again into your heart and share the real gift of Christmas…God’s only Son, Jesus, our Lord and Savior!