What does the manger mean to you?

How many times have we heard the lyrics to “Do you Hear What I Hear?” As the words allow us to imagine the familiar nativity, are we grasping the significance of the setting? Can we feel the magnitude?

I lament over the many seasons I have gone through the motions of singing the carols, hanging the decorations, shopping at a feverish pace, watching the movies, eating the cookies… basically checking the box on all the Christmas things. But, what was my motivation? Nostalgia? A good time had by all?

What happens as we begin to shift our focus to really hear the message the Bible has for us on Jesus’ arrival?

Luke 1: 76-79 (NIV) states, “And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

Friends, the true gift of Christmas will never be neatly packaged in a beautiful box. Whatever is under the tree on Christmas cannot rival what Jesus’ entrance on earth brought to a weary world.

What if we diverted our gaze and rather than stare at decorations, we begin to look for illumination? What if every light bulb points us back to the infamous star, the one that shone happily over the most magnificent of moments?

What if we carried this light to those needing it the most? What if we shared a good word, a heartfelt hug, or a meal with someone in need of nourishment and fellowship?

My challenge to you and myself this Christmas season: stop each day and really reflect on the eternal perspective of Jesus’ birth. Let’s focus a little less on what’s on our to-do and wish lists, and rejoice in what our Savior has already done for us. To God be the Glory.

Merry Christmas, my friends. I’m grateful for each one of you and look forward to seeing how God works in your life in the coming year.