But let's pause a moment and remember that Big Day in Bethlehem. Out on the hillside, the shepherds are quietly tending their sheep.
"And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy; which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes 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 good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. (Luke 2:8-16).
What a Big Day that was! We can sing with the shepherds and the angelic chorus, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given! (Isaiah 9:6) His was a miraculous conception, the fulfillment of God's promise, and the hope of all mankind. God with us.
As Spurgeon says, "God with us in our nature, in our sorrow, in our life work, in our punishment, in our grave, and now with us, or rather we with Him, in resurrection, ascension triumph, and coming splendor."
Jesus's birth was a big, momentous day. Let's not let the splendor of His birth be overshadowed by Christmas traditions. Before you partake in your festive meal, take a moment to offer a prayer of thanks. Discuss the true significance of the season with your loved ones, and as you rest your head at the end of this joyous day, let it be filled with gratitude and praise for God's unspeakable gift.
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