"Oh, Holy Night"

                                   At this beautiful time of year, we find ourselves focused on our Savior, Jesus Christ.

During this meaningful interlude we allow ourselves to contemplate His birth and life, and the events surrounding His holy arrival into the world:  the prophecies of Old Testament revelators, Gabriel’s visit to Mary, the instruction given to Joseph to “fear not” to take Mary for his wife, the humble birth, the choirs of angels, and the new star that guided the Wise Men from the East, all give us pause as we realize there never was another occasion in the history of the earth that was blessed by so much heavenly orchestration.  It can only be with reverence and awe that we consider this marvelous event, and recall it as we read the records preserved for us in the books of Matthew and Luke  (Matt 1:18-25; Matt 2;  Luke1:26-2:20).

What child is this?  He is called by many names, each significant to His mission; each meaningful to our knowledge of how well He loves us, how He has blessed us, and is blessing us: Jehovah; Jesus The Christ; The Creator; Our Elder Brother; God; The Savior; Emmanuel (God is with us); The Prince of Peace; The Lamb; The King; Messiah; Rabboni (my Master); Our Salvation; The Most Blessed and Holy One; The Most High God; Lord of Lord and King of Kings….

I know that, tonight, many of us will be reading the account of Christ's birth, and sharing this sacred story with our families.  As we ponder His coming into the world, especially on this holiest of nights, it is the perfect time to consider all the gifts He gave to us.  We will, no doubt, also ponder the simple gifts we might give to Him: remembering Him and committing to make room for Him in our lives, every day; expressing gratitude to Him for all the roles He has played and is playing in our eternal happiness and salvation; trusting Him and His promises;  saying “yes” to doing things His way; knowing Him better and following Him more closely.  

He asks so little of us, only to trust Him: “follow me” (Matt 4:19); and help others to know Him:  “Feed my lambs…Feed my sheep” (John 21:15-16).   We give to those we love from the abundance of our hearts because we desire their happiness.  At this time of year, it seems we make an extra effort to give to our loved ones the gifts they have requested, at least insofar as we have the capacity to give.  Would we do any less for our Savior?  Would we deny Him His simple requests?  On this Holy Night, surrounded by the beauty of His spirit, and filled with gratitude for His love, it is something to consider!