Celebrate the Baby

Celebrate the Baby

“Christ the Saviour is born! The Saviour has been born this day in the city of David. Bethlehem!”

 Luke 2:11

December 20, 2017

                How are you celebrating Jesus’ birthday? Will it

be different from how you celebrate your own birthday? Will there be cake, and ice cream, candles and presents? Will there be balloons or funny party hats and games? Will there be close friends and family around? Wait—this sounds like a regular birthday party doesn’t it? But what is so different is that we celebrate Jesus’ birth –as an infant yet when we celebrate our own it is not when we were first born, but who we are now. Why is Jesus’ birthday celebration different than our own birthdays?

                Because Jesus was born to save his people—his purpose was to die yet when he was born it was not just an ordinary day. Had there been Twitter back then, the 140 characters might have said-

Important baby born in stable, star appeared, angels too, shepherds visited and left glorifying God. Not sure of parents who stayed in a stable but all is well. Bethlehem not such a sleepy town any more. Who is this baby given such a heavenly welcome? Anyone know?

                But we do know because of what happened in years which followed. This baby Jesus grew up to be the Saviour of the world. But when he was an infant those who saw him had no idea what he eventually would accomplish as an adult. But they celebrated his birth and we are forever grateful because Jesus’ birth was the most remarkable event in human history- changing the world as it was known and still changing us one person at a time.

                Jesus was this tiny baby who had created those who worshiped him. This baby grew up and lived a perfect life and then taught his followers how we should live. And then he fulfilled his purpose by willingly dying for our sins.

                How do we make Christmas complete? We celebrate the baby and trust the Saviour. Celebrate Jesus’ birth with special guests, food, decorations, traditions and laughter. Celebrate with others or take time alone and reflect on Christmases of the past. Pray enjoy and know that Jesus of the manger is the resurrected Lord and Saviour. Rejoice and know he is with us- Emmanuel forevermore.

PRAYER

God of grace we praise you for Jesus’ birthday celebrations around the world filled with many traditions, joys and wonders. Help us to remember that it is Jesus’ coming into this world as a human infant that we are celebrating. He became like us to save us and to show us how to live and love. Help us to hear and know this message with new meaning and with hope. Bless us O God as we celebrate Jesus’ birth. Amen.

Blessings to all for Christmas and as we look to 2018!

Watch for the next Reflection on Jan 10,2018!