What about Christmas?

What are we appreciating about Christmas? Just what is coming for us December 25?

Let’s skip over some of the divisiveness. We cannot know the date Christ was born. It is not necessary for us to know so. December 25 was chosen ages ago and I see no reason to either change or ignore it. Yes, I know there were no Christmas trees, no decorations, and the nativity set would not include camels and magi for some time to come. So what?

What are we looking for in Christmas? What were we offered? I like how Luke puts it:

Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed. (Luke 1:1-4 KJV)

That’s part of what we’re expecting – certainty. But, there is more.

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: (Luke 1:30-32 KJV)

Mary did not understand. We still don’t today.

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. (Luke 1:34-35 KJV)

Gabriel gave Mary another bit of news. Not from the mouth of men who believed, but from an angel who was doing the bidding of the God he served came these words.

For with God nothing shall be impossible. (Luke 1:37 KJV)

From this belief, Paul speaks for mankind:

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13 KJV)

What do I expect to come from what we learn at Christmas? Miracles. Beyond giving thanks for God’s unspeakable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15) I give thanks for His coming as a babe in a manger with good tidings of great joy.