And after entering the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then, after opening their treasure chests, they presented to Him gifts [fit for a king, gifts] of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Matthew 2:11 AMP
At this present time in the world there are both whispers and high-pitched yells about the relevance of Christmas. On one side, the holy saints may complain about the commercialization of the Christ Child’s birth and on the other, the theologians may contend that the December date is all wrong. The rest, maybe like you and me, holding fast in the middle of the fray, convinced that the date may not matter so much. And that the celebration of the Savior’s entrance onto the earth, does.
Seriously. Would Christmas be any different if we celebrated in July or September? The weather, perhaps. Although it has been quite warm here in Florida lately.
Still, there was once a time, many years ago, when I was unable to be home with my family in December and they graciously waited to unwrap our gifts mid-January. And guess what? It felt just like Christmas.
As long as loving families are together, we have more than enough reason to culminate a year of God’s blessings with worshipful songs, the exchange of gifts and yes — rich foods. Right?
For, Christmas is only the beginning.
The story of Jesus’ life grows in excellence as the Messiah, born in Bethlehem, nears a tragic end. The end, when he bears his life for ours. A babe, becomes Reconciliation and Resurrection wrapped in the One, yet to come (again).
But as it is, Christ has acquired a [priestly] ministry which is more excellent [than the old Levitical priestly ministry], for He is the Mediator (Arbiter) of a better covenant [uniting God and man], which has been enacted and rests on better promises.
Hebrews 8:6 AMP
So let us sing JOY to the WORLD! Thank God! The Savior came – whenever it was in a time long ago.
Merry Christmas to You and Yours,
Leah