LUKE 2:8-14 – And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.  And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

THEME OF THE DAY: WHAT TYPE OF CHRISTMAS ARE WE HAVING? It’s Christmas Day. Look outside around our neighborhoods or take a short walk.  Maybe even a drive. If it’s early in the morning, all will be quiet.  The roads, even main roads, will be absent of traffic. Not only will it largely be as quiet as a church mouse all around outside, four other things will be present. We won’t see them, but they will be present.  They are the four types of Christmas celebrations occurring in homes. As we identify them, pick the one that characterizes us because one will.

First, there will be the “Norman Rockwell type of Christmas.” There will be the nostalgic and festive celebration of friends and family gatherings.  The emphasis will be gifts exchanged, food, probably lots of food, maybe a group game played, secular Christmas music will be playing in the background, and just a fun-filled time of reunion with not a sight or sound of the real reason for Christmas – the Lord Jesus.

Then, we would find a Christmas that occurs in many Christian homes. It will be the attempt to combine the worldly celebration with the real meaning of Christ – the birth of the Lord Jesus. Here is how it may unfold.  Family and friends gather, there is a reading of the Christmas story from Luke 2.  A few comments maybe, a brief prayer, and then the worldly takes over with a lot that was mentioned in the first type of Christmas celebration.  This feels like giving Jesus a token acknowledgement out of obligation or sense of duty. The spiritual is likely rushed and quickly concluded.

A third type of Christmas celebration will happen, and this too in Christian homes, but the emphasis will be the real meaning of Christmas.  There will be scripture read, prayer offered, worship enjoyed, and all without rush or distraction of what might be under the tree. Gifts may still be exchanged, probably limited, and not of the highest priority.  The spiritual tone of the home will be set and felt.  No one would mistake who is the Head of this home, the Lord Jesus.

A fourth and final type of Christmas may actually not be celebration at all.  Widows, widowers, singles, and others who have suffered relationship trauma and fractured relationships over the years.  They are lonely, hurting, and see no reason for celebration.  And these become people we are to reach out to, to love, to share with them the real meaning of Christmas – hope has come. Unto us a child is born, unto a Savior is born!

So, what type of Christmas are we having?  What is observed in our homes says a lot about our relationship with the living God through His Son who was born for us.

PRAYER: “Father, I praise You for sending Jesus for me.”

QUOTE: “Christmas is the gift that keeps on giving and giving.”

In the affection of Christ Jesus,

Pastor Jim