Without Christmas

What would our world be like if Jesus hadn’t come to earth? Have you ever thought of it? If we didn’t celebrate Christmas and the birth of the King?

I think about the people who really don’t know what we are celebrating, but seem so much happier than during other seasons. There seems to be a smile on people’s faces. I see trucks with lights draped over the nose of the vehicle. Neighborhoods shine with lights on the outside and inside, too. There’s an expectancy in faces.

What would it be like without Christmas–not just the holiday–but the birth of Jesus? Dark. Friendless. Sad. No expectation.

But we DO have Christmas! He was born for all of us–not just his chosen people, but all of human beings.

My son in law, read part of the Christmas story before our dinner on Christmas day that stood out to him and me as well:

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. ⁹Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, ¹⁰but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people (my emphasis)¹¹The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! (Luke 2:8-11 NLT).

Is that why people are so happy during the Christmas Season even though they may not know about the reason for the season?

Let’s think of that this Christmas season. He–Jesus Christ–will bring “good news” and “great joy” to all people.

The most important thing to remember is that Jesus didn’t just remain in the manger as a baby, although that’s where he started, but a man–who was also God. He now reigns in heaven and one day will rule the earth.

And they sang a new song, saying:

“You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased for God
persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
¹⁰You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth.”

¹¹Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. ¹²In a loud voice they were saying:

“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!”

¹³Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!”

¹⁴The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped (Revelation 5:9-14 NIV).