Through how many centuries, through how many threatening circumstances has Christmas been celebrated since that good news came ringing from the heavens - Fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy! God's people had yearned for their Messiah for many long years. And now the angels had announced this precious Gift's arrival. The waiting was over, but in reading the story again in Luke, I was struck by the fact that the real work of Christmas only began after the event

PROCLAMATION - It would have been easy for the shepherds merely to relish this evening. God's glory shone on their shabby surroundings; angel choirs sang to them; and they knelt in awe before the tiny King. But we read that the shepherds "spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child".

CONSOLATION - Simeon had waited for a long time for this day - with a deeper longing than any child waiting for that stack of gifts under the tree. In the temple the Spirit revealed to him that the tiny babe was indeed, the Messiah. Taking Jesus into his arms, he thanked God for allowing him to behold the Prince of Peace. "Now I can depart in peace," he declared. This peace continues after the gifts are unwrapped and the last advent candle snuffed out.

ADORATION - The word Christmas originally meant "Christ Mass", a time of worship and adoration. Today too many people pay more attention to holiday shopping and feasting than to Christ. The magi indeed, were "wise men". Before they displayed their gifts, they "bowed down and worshipped him."

MEDITATION - Christmas had been a hectic time for Mary and Joseph; dealing with rumour and suspicion, traveling to Bethlehem, and then the responsibility of an infant in less than ideal surroundings, but Mary still had time to meditate on the Lord.

Perhaps meditation is the key to Christmas. Without meditating on the salvation Jesus brought, there can be no proclamation. Without meditating on the faithfulness of God, there can be no consolation. Without meditating on the character of God, there can be no adoration.

Christmas is not an end in itself, but a year-round opportunity for meditating on these and pondering them in our hearts.

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Christmas Time Together at imagitek.com