Luke 2:9-14 “And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for be”hold, I bring you tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” 11 “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
12 “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace and goodwill toward all men!”

Can you imagine what those shepherds must have seen and felt as this announcement was made to them? Of all people lowly shepherds, just doing what they always did, trying to keep their sheep safe and lead them where they needed to go. What must “the glory of the Lord which shined around them look like?” I do not think I can think of a bright enough light that would encompass what they saw. And then, a multitude of heavenly hosts. Was the entire sky full so that nothing else could be seen, and how did it sound? I try to picture it in my mind, and I know I fall so short in capturing this special event.

Jesus, The King of Kings and Lord of Lords had left His throne and traveled through space and time, to come rest inside a virgin girl. A humble girl just going about her humble life, and then everything changed! She would forever carry the stigma attached to being with child before she was properly wed. Do you ever wonder why He chose to do things the way He did?

When I look at Christmas and I think of the events I am reminded that God is not looking for perfect people of high standing. He didn’t choose to make the birth of His son a huge event full of pageantry, in a castle where the high and mighty lived. No, He chose the lowly road, with ordinary folks doing ordinary things. So, that means that we have hope. No one is too far down the totem pole to receive God’s mercy and grace. And no one is so high and mighty that God’s love cannot penetrate their hearts and save them. It said to all men…

But when I look further into Christmas, the birth of Jesus, the Son of God and Savior of the world, I see a cross. It is facing the manger, a foreshadowing of what was to come. This sweet infant babe, who had given up His throne, and left all of heaven’s glory behind, would one day bleed and die on a cross for you and me. His blood would be shed so that you and I can be cleansed for our unrighteousness and sin.

Had Jesus never come, and had He never died where would we be? Look at your life and try to imagine it had Jesus not chosen to save you. Look at the times when it felt hopeless, but God. Look at the moments that brought you to your knees, but God. Look at the wretch you were, but God. When He left the throne room of heaven to come and save His children, those the Father had given him, He knew the cost. He also saw the cross and was fully aware of all that He would suffer, yet He came anyway. Those who were there in that moment and all of us who throughout these past decades; He came for you.

So, as you look at that manger seen and you read the story of His birth, “What do you see?” Isn’t it amazing, isn’t it wonderful, isn’t it extraordinary to think that He who hung the stars, He who created all things would come just for you?”

For me, it makes Christmas even sweeter, that babe in the manger even more precious. Those events shook the world, and that of Mary, just for me. What greater love is there? Oh, how I love Him, Oh, how I thank Him, Oh, how I praise Him!”

What else do I see? He will come again, not as a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger, but as a conquering King! He will come and make all things new, and those who have not yet died in Christ will go to meet him in the air, our faith will be made sight!

I don’t know what your Christmas looks like, whether you have a family to celebrate with, or you are alone. You may have gifts and you may not, but whatever it looks like, try to look at it through the eyes of heaven, and see that He knows, He is there, and He loves you.

Jesus is still reaching out, and He is still saving souls, until you draw your last breath there is hope, won’t you ask Him into your heart today? He is waiting.

May you have a blessed and joy filled Christmas!