By Gina Caswell Kelly
Always, one of the things I miss most at Christmas is listening to the Christmas Story in my daddy’s voice. Before any presents were opened, we would all sit around in front of the tree, and we would listen as Daddy read from Luke 2 from his recliner. Oh I can see it all in my mind so vividly! I can hear his sweet voice.
I would like to say that listening to the Christmas Story was always the highlight of the evening. But far too often, we were thinking “hurry up! Let’s get to the presents!” I feel like I am not alone in that. As I think about it all now, I wish I could go back and really listen to my daddy’s voice and really focus on what was being read to us all. But, as kids, our focus was much more on what we had waiting for us under the tree. Sadly, that is still the focus of many adults today. Maybe not necessarily what is under the tree for them, but what they were able to buy for their kids. Is it enough? Does everyone have the same number of presents? Did the neighbor kids get more? Is what I got my child the best of the best available?
Now, don’t misunderstand me. I am not against gift giving. I love giving gifts and I love receiving gifts. I just pray that Christmas is about so much more than what we give or get. With this in mind, let’s revisit the ultimate Christmas gift from Luke 2.
The Birth of Jesus
1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
