It’s that most wonderful time of the year. At least that’s what the song says. Store windows are filled with sparkles, lights and glitter galore. The tree stands in the center of your living room, filled with more lights and glowing ornaments. It seems like the more lights, the better. Our Christmas cards are opened, and another splash of shimmering razzle-dazzle falls to the floor imbedding itself into your carpeting. Don’t get me wrong. I love bling. I don’t wear much of it, but I love looking at it. The colors, the lights, the excitement, the songs, the stories are all part of this wonderful time of the year.

So often we become blinded by the lights. Our thoughts of the perfect Christmas and all its trimmings are sometimes overwhelming. Maybe it’s time to look at that first Christmas again. The night of Jesus’ birth was an ordinary night, or was it? There were signs and sights in the sky that boggled the mind. A brilliant star, heavenly angels and songs from those beings filling the air. A field full of braying sheep, being tended by young boys and men – scruffy individuals who hadn’t had a bath in over a month. They sat as sentries, but even they dozed off occasionally. Can you even imagine the sight?

Today we try to replicate that first Christmas but think about it. The whole scenario was filled with wonder, yet here was a young woman about to give birth in a dirty animal shed. There was no midwife. There were no clean sheets to cover the child, only rags which were used to swaddle Him. A King was born yet there were no trumpets heralding the birth, no velvet robe or golden crown. Just a tiny baby, placed in a feeding trough filled with hay. There was no bling, simply new birth, but no ordinary child was in that manger. He was a human child, yes, but He was also true God in the flesh. None of those events even come close to making sense, but God’s amazing plan of salvation is beyond human comprehension.

As you trim the tree this year or wrap the gifts and place your beautiful nativity sets on display, think about this amazing event that still garners wonder. The Son of God was born to save everyone from their sins and the sting of death.

Children stare in awe at the ornaments and lights
Each sparkle puts a twinkle in their eyes.
The cookies in the oven, the tantalizing bites,
The gifts of Christmas come in every size.

The special clothes and widened smiles are evidence complete,
That something extra special waits right there,
Beneath the tree of balsam in a box wrapped oh so sweet.
It’s Christmas and the perfect time to share.

As children sing their songs to God in heaven above,
Let’s take the time to ponder what it means.
That on that day of Jesus birth our greatest gift was love,
A love that takes our sins away and cleans.

And so we join their voices and with a childlike trust.
We thank our Savior for redeeming us to life.
He’s dulled death’s sting and stomped it in the dust.
With Him we now can tolerate all strife.

Kathy Boecher©