WHEN YOU HEAR THE announcement “Four more shopping days until Christmas,” what goes through your mind? Panic? Anxiety? Stress? If any of these feelings sound familiar, please pause, take a few deep breaths, sit down and have a chat with … “Oh no, there goes the doorbell. Who is it this time?”
As you walk towards the front door, your thoughts turn to the Christmas cards you were trying to write, featuring beautiful Nativity scene pictures. Those have painted stables; there is fresh straw on the floor and hay in the manger; little cherubs are fluttering around; and everything appears so serene and tranquil.
You say to yourself, “Why can’t my family have a few peaceful moments at least, if not days? Is it only my family that always seems behind in preparing for Christmas?” Yes? No? Maybe? Did the first Christmas truly resemble these pictures? By now you have opened the door and are astonished to see a young couple – but not just any young couple – standing there. You remain frozen in place, speechless, as they introduce themselves to you.
“We are Mary and Joseph, may we come in?” They smile at you very kindly, as if somehow, they knew that a moment ago you wondered if that first Christmas truly resembled the cards.
Once seated, Mary recounted Angel Gabriel’s message from God, asking if she was willing to be the mother of His Son, Jesus. After her Fiat/Yes, she began spinning, weaving, preparing blankets plus clothes for her baby. Joseph, a carpenter by trade, told of his joy in making furniture, including a special crib for their home in Nazareth. Immense joy and peace filled their hearts as they anticipated the coming of the Messiah and Savior. However, shortly before her due date, the Roman emperor had issued an edict that every family must return to their ancestors’ towns to register for a census. Having to leave Nazareth for Bethlehem, about a week’s journey of 90 miles, with Joseph leading the donkey that was carrying Mary, food, drink and clothing, was a challenge. They could bring little of what they had so lovingly prepared. When they finally arrived, there was no room for them in an inn or any clean place, only a dirty stable/cave. Even though they could not provide a fitting place for the birth of the Son of God, they provided the best they could, along with all the love of their hearts.
“So, you see” Mary concluded, “the best Christmas preparation is to provide a loving home for my Son in your heart and love others for love of Him.”
FOR YOUR FAMILY:
■ Dec. 21 is the fourth Sunday of Advent and time to light the final candle on your Advent Wreath. Recall God’s great love in sending His only Son as our Savior, and share ways you have tried to show your love for God and others.
■ Gather near your Nativity scene each day until Christmas and read another part of the Christmas story: Luke 1:26–38; Luke 2:1–20; Matthew 1:18–25; and Matthew 2:1–15.
■ Make and write Christmas cards to deliver to people living in Assisted Care Facilities.
■ Invite someone to your home whom you know would be alone this Christmas.