Tuesday, December 25, 2007 Christmas Day
Do you ever look around after the Christmas gifts are opened and marvel at all that went into preparing for this day? Just think of all the cards bought, written, addressed, stamped, and delivered. Think of the planning that began months ago, the advertising, the shopping, the packaging, wrapping, and shipping. Think of the choir practicing, home decorating, sermon writing, house cleaning, cookie baking, and homeward traveling.
And now it’s all over. We sit back on Christmas Day in exhaustion, glad to have another year before it all begins again.
A lot went into preparing for today. More than you realize. Matthew said, “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said …” What does “all this” include? God planned it all before creation. He called Abraham and made him a nation. He led Israel into Egypt and delivered them again. He called prophets. He raised up kings. He brought down nations and moved whole kingdoms. He arranged all history to culminate in this event … the arrival of His promised Redeemer, God coming to the rescue of His people.
“All this took place,” but it was not over yet. Mary and Joseph would be exhausted and relieved on Christmas Day. Like you, they would be happy that their gift had safely arrived. But they would also know that there was more to come. They did not know all that was ahead for their little baby. But you do. And “all this took place” for you.
Prayer: How could You love me so much, dear Father, to do all this for me? Fill my heart with gratitude and joy on this Christmas Day, and move me to sing Your praises. In my Savior’s name, Amen.
|
