It was in the fulness of time. In a place selected by God. In a manner and fashion chosen by God. God acted. It is still being discussed and debated. It is not fully believed by all. It is said God could have done better. Yet, it was on this night that God chose to give the world God's only Son through human birth to a young, frightened woman. The event took place in a stable, a setting that most, if not all, with which people can identify through slowly dying agricultural roots, yes, among the common people, God sent a Son. Some have said it should have been in a palace; but who can identify with a palace? Those who can are limited in number. Some have said it could have been in a better place, like Rome. The fast pace of Rome even in those days would not have worked. It was on a tranquil night that the cry of a newborn broke the night. It brought wonder and excitement mixed with the fear of the unknown to that young couple blessed by the birth of their first child. The mother knew to name him Jesus, as told by the angel. She knew that his birth was to take away the sins of the world. She had heard that this special child would also be known as Emmanuel, God with us, for God truly chose to be with us on that night. Have you chosen to live with God?
Set aside some quiet time today to celebrate in your own way, this special, special gift given to you and me. Later this evening, find a church if you don't already have one, and go and be with others as they celebrate the specialness of this birth. God gave to us, what can we give to God except ourselves?
PRAYER: Loving God, may the meaning of this day never be lost on me. As family and friends arrive, may the joy of being with them only add to the joy of You being with me. Emmanuel it is! And may we never forget that. God, we know that the specialness of today is made more difficult by the absence of those with whom we once spent this day, but we celebrate Your presence as comfort and peace. We remember that the birth on this night came as Your sign that You would defeat sin and death. God, we also remember there are many who cannot be with loved ones tonight because of their service to country or because of their need to be elsewhere; may the spirit of love unite us even if physcially we cannot be together. But in all our doings and celebrations, be glorified! I pray in the Name of He born tonight, Jesus, my Lord, amen!
Have a great and blessed Christmas!
Eradio and Nellie Valverde
