Many years ago a wealthy family had a christening for their longawaited baby boy. After the ceremony all their friends and familycame back to their home for a party. Since the baby was sleeping theyplaced him on a bed and went about the business of celebrating. Aftera long night of drinking, eating, singing, and visiting, someone askedto see the baby. The mother hurried to the bedroom to get him, todiscover the bed piled high with coats and wraps and gifts. Shefrantically dug through them to discover the baby--smothered.
This true story is heartbreaking and tragic...not only for the poorfamily, but for the millions of families all over the world who get socaught up in the business of celebrating the birth of a baby that theyforget all about Him.
I love Christmas and all the wonderfultraditions that go with it, but after hearing this story years ago, Ihave tried my best not to let the traditions overshadow who we arecelebrating. Jesus didn't stay a baby, he grew into a man who laidhis life down for us. The manger story is just the beginning, but onewe should never forget.
In our family we have added the tradition of reading the story ofJesus coming to earth before we open our presents. You don't have todo that, but I encourage us all to not allow Jesus to be smotheredunder the tokens of our celebrating His birth.
Luke 2: 10-12 "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bringyou good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today inthe town of David a Savior has been born to YOU; he is Christ theLord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped incloths and lying in a manger.'"
Merry Christmas to All!
Janelle Ashley
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
i like your blog......
Thanks gooooooood girl!
Are you a reader of inspirational fiction?
PamT
It is so important to remember the true meaning of Christmas. Thanks for the post.
Post a Comment