Reflecting on Christmas

We love Christmas and this time of the year. Our kids are excited. Gifts are exchanged. Family traditions are in full swing. We enjoy all of those activities, but what we enjoy the most is that my hope is renewed as we reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ.

Jesus was born in a time among a people who didn't have hope. Their country was under subjection of Rome. People, even children, were killed at a mad man's wishes.

Also Jesus was born in a barn of animals due to the lack of hospitality to the town in which would become famous due to His birth. And after His birth, Jesus along with Mary and Joseph had to flee and become refugees in a foreign nation due to Herod's obsession to kill Him. It was in this context, Jesus was born to bring hope not only to the Jewish people, but to the whole world!

I know we can get so distracted at the celebration of Christmas that we forget to reflect on what Christmas is all about. Let us not forget what this is all about. This is a time to embrace this hope given and bring it into the new year.

Last week a friend of ours died of lupus a week and a half before Christmas. She left behind three children and a husband after a 5 year battle. We mourn for them and can't imagine their pain. But we am encouraged because she carried the Hope of Jesus and is now celebrating her first Christmas Season with the Man in which was born in that barn so many years ago.

May you find and rest in the hope Jesus Christ gave in this Christmas Season and bring it into the New Year!

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