The origin of Christmas is based upon the words found in the gospel of Luke 2:1-7. In a sense, the census issued by Caesar Augustus forced a family reunion of sorts. However, in this case, “everyone went to his own town to register,” Luke 2:3, back to your home town where relatives were born and raised. Thus, Mary and Joseph rode on a donkey from Nazareth to Bethlehem nicknamed the City of David creating the first Christmas traffic jam.
Like finding a cheap hotel in Dover, Delaware during Race Weekend, Joseph didn’t have a prayer. With the odds stacked against him, Joseph begged, pleaded and sought out a hole in the wall motel. This dive was filled with manure, cold drafts and the constant noise of animals. Yet, in this desolate place, the world welcomed a Savior, who came to seek and to save that which was lost, Luke 19:10. When the shepherds arrived, the first Christmas concert was performed by angels, praising God for the miracle of life.
Today, Christmas has become a day where families reunite, if only for a day, meal or weekend. Putting the past behind, its a time of reflection, thanksgiving and worship. Despite the distractions of parades, sporting events and more shopping, Christmas wouldn’t be the same without family. Maybe this is why death, divorce and orphans struggle to find peace on this sacred day. Regardless of where this holiday may lead you in 2013, let me be the first to say, “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!”
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 