On a starry night.

Just over a week ago, I watched a video-clip from the town of Nazareth, with a count-down to midnight on Dec.24th, and a massive display of fireworks. I don't know how many people were gathered together to celebrate, but it looked as if there were many thousands.

Now, apart from the fact that Jesus was not born on December 25th - type "When was Jesus really born" in the search engine box at the top-left, to read the post on the topic from last year! - there are other significant differences between that scene from modern Nazareth, and the event that took place, more than 2,000 years ago, in Bethlehem.

First of all, Bethlehem was not packed with thousands of onlookers! Oh, it is true that the town was overcrowded because of the census that had been declared. That, we are informed, was why there was no proper accommodation for the man Joseph and his young, heavily pregnant wife, Mary. However, those who were there were so because of the Imperial Decree. They certainly were not awaiting fireworks and a load of razzmatazz!

Not that the skies were silent over Bethlehem! Those shepherds, watching their flocks on the hills above the town, could vouch for that! That is the second difference. No fireworks, but an angelic messenger, quickly accompanied by "... a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased!'" (Luke 2:13-14). Oh, and please don't be misled by popular Christmas cards, or nativity plays! These were no little cherubs, in white gowns, and with golden curls above rosy cheeks! The words "the heavenly host" refer to the armies of heaven! These were mighty warriors - quite possibly bearing weapons! - who were glorifying the Creator of all that exists.

Today, of course is, for so many, just the final shopping day for the last-minute Christmas gift. I was in a shop (just browsing!!) earlier today. There was, of course, music playing. I heard what I have to say was the most excruciating rendition of "O come, all ye faithful" that I have ever had the misfortune to hear! Even the shop assistant from whom I sought some advice agreed! However, I wondered just how many of those in the shop were even the least bit interested in adoring the One Who came into this sinful world in order to die for the salvation of all who will come to Him, in repentance (sadly so seldom mentioned, today, in even good evangelical fellowships - yet of the utmost importance!) and faith, and accept that He has already done for them, what they can never do for themselves.

You see, Christmas, wonderful although it is, is only the beginning of a greater story. Because that Infant Who was laid in a manger became the Christ Who hung on a cross. It was there that He paid the penalty that you and I deserved to pay. He paid a debt He did not owe, because we owe a debt we cannot pay.

In the midst of all of the fun and festivity that so many of us will enjoy, may I ask for two things?  May I ask that you give some thought to all of those who are spending their first Christmas-time without a particular loved one; those who are alone; those who are part of that vast number that we refer to, collectively, as "the persecuted church", and who are unable to celebrate as we do? May I also ask you to give thought to the One Whose birth we celebrate. It's become something of a cliché, but He really is "the Reason for the season"!

May I also wish you - if you are reading this in time! - a very happy Christmas, during which you come to appreciate a little more, what Almighty God, in His great love, has done for us, in Jesus.

Blessings, and shalom.