Our scripture for Christmas Eve is Luke 2:1-20, taken today from the New International Version ( NIV).
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they aspread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
We know the story, we read and hear it every year at Christmas. We shake our heads sadly at the difficult journey to Bethlehem and the awful conditions they endured. We certainly would have found a better place for the Savior’s coming, or so we tell ourselves.
The story of Christ’s birth in a stable is part of our annual celebration, but do we keep the glow of the Nativity in our hearts after we put away the decorations? If it only lasts a week, we haven’t learned the lesson Jesus came to teach us. It was intended to change our lives, that we might become the people God created us to be.
Remembering the story is important but making it part of our lives is essential. Jesus came to show us the joy of a relationship with God. As we hear the words this year, may we find new meaning and seek new ways to share the blessing of Christmas in the world.
Loving Lord, our understanding is incomplete and our action is weak. Help us to know Your love and pass it on to all our brothers and sisters. Amen.