Most people agree with Dr. Seuss: Christmas doesn’t come from a store. It does, in fact, mean quite a bit more.
Unfortunately, most of my family’s Christmas seems to come from a store. We spend a lot of money shopping for gifts, food, and clothing at Christmas. That doesn’t seem right somehow.
So I’ve tried quite a number of things over the years to make our Christmas more meaningful:
Advent family devotions
Limiting gifts to gold, silver, and myrrh gifts
Giving more to charities like Samaritan’s Purse or World Vision
But still I’ve felt like Christmas could mean a little bit more.
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I often wonder why He came the way He did. I know it was the will of the Father to send Him. But why in such a lowly, humbled manner? He could have come as a King, wearing a crown, walking with authority for all to see. He could have come in a spectacular display of power which would have sent the kings of this earth to their knees. He could have come wealthy, holding the riches of this world, and heaven, in the palm of His hand.
Yet He came lowly. He came gentle. He came helpless. He came small.
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Can you hear it?
The gentle cadence of everyday marvels: the plink of the first quarter into a tin bucket at the lemonade stand; the buzz of the doorbell announcing a friend’s arrival; the beep of the timer in an oven with chocolate chip cookies inside.
Can you feel it?
The rhythmic beat sweet baby kisses on your cheek; knit socks hugging your feet; streams of sunlight on your face.
Can you see it?
The harmony of a rainbow spectrum in a rain puddle; a toddler’s extra long eyelashes; a fresh dusting of snow.
He’s singing over you.
He will quiet you with His love.
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For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
I’ve had it memorized since Kindergarten. No matter the translation or way it’s sung, I can tell you where it’s originally found. And I’ve found comfort in its familiarity.
But friends, it wasn’t until this last week that I finally understood the significance. And I can now say, it’s become personal to me.
“Unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given.”
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