As we very quickly approach Christmas, it’s so easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of the season – the late night Walmart shopping, never ending sink full of dishes, the parties and the gifts. Yet, at its core, Christmas is a celebration of something so much more profound: the birth of Jesus Christ who came to bring hope, love and joy to a world in need.
We all know the story of Christmas. Mary and Joseph, a young couple, find refuge in a humble stable in Bethlehem. They had a baby named Jesus, who was born despite Mary being a virgin, and their first visitors were shepherds and wise men. But the baby born that night was not just a child; he was the promised Messiah, the savior that the Jews had been waiting thousands of years for. His birth was so much more than a sweet story or a nice nativity scene. It was a beacon of hope, signaling that God had not forgotten His people. In a world so often filled with uncertainty and fear, the birth of Jesus reminds us that God is with us, even during the hustle and bustle of Christmas. This hope transcends circumstances and points us to a future full of peace, joy and ultimately eternal life. As we give and receive gifts this season, let’s remember that the greatest gift we can share is hope. Hope for our friends or family who aren’t believers, hope for the struggles and the pain, and hope for our future.
Blessing to all of you!
Julia Kalton