While sharing these thoughts, a friend of mine reminded me that maybe the message is not only for those who have not heard the story before but also for those who do not believe it's true meaning. And maybe she was right. Maybe it does "get old" for some, but I think there is something in the story that intrigues people each year. It may intrigue people enough to bring them in the doors of a church on Christmas eve. Or think more about the song lyrics to "Silent Night."
More than any other time of the year, maybe Christmas is a season to really spread the story of Jesus' life, beecause Christmas is a time when "many unbelievers pause to consider Christ (Mary Fairchild)."
It is the time of year when people are more vulnerable, emotional, and open to considering the message of Jesus birth. People tend to open their hearts more around this time of year. They soften and consider opening a door to the possibility of this truth.
For me, the story of Jesus birth is never "gets old." It's a reminder of why he came to this earth and what he did for us. His birth is a reminder of who God is - loving, forgiving, and willing to sacrifice His son in atonement for our sins - even before we ever asked for forgiveness of all the things we have done wrong.
The nativity sets have more meaning to me as I have grown older. The holiday songs that sing of Christ's birth have significance.
My husband and I were jokingly arguing over which Christmas songs are "classics." I said Hanson and Amy Grant. He says holiday songs that Nat King Cole sings. But these below are truly classics to me. Songs that sing of a savior that was born into a human body so he could die for me and I could join him in heaven one day.
Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing. - Joy to the World
What Child is this who, laid to rest, On Mary's lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste, to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary.
Why lies He in such mean estate, Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christians, fear, for sinners here, The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through, The cross be borne for me, for you. Hail, hail the Word made flesh, The Babe, the Son of Mary. - What Child is This?
If you are considering the Christmas story of Jesus' birth this year, know this: It might seem like an impossible and ridiculous story of a virgin giving birth to the savior of the world. But, why wouldn't you want to be true? Maybe the idea that someone exists who wants to save you and forgive you of all the things that make you feel guilty about your life makes you squirm. Maybe the idea of accepting forgiveness when you cannot even forgive yourself is just too much to handle. It's too overwhelming. I believe it's true. I believe this is the best story to believe of them all. It gives me hope, joy and peace beyond understanding.
Happy Holidays
