Approximately two centuries ago, a young girl awaited the birth of her first child. Due to a census being taken, she and her new husband found themselves traveling hundred of miles away to be included in their ancestral home. As they got to Bethlehem, they began looking for a place to spend the night. All the inns were full. One innkeeper finally offered them the use of his humble stable to rest their weary bodies. Anyone who has ever traveled while pregnant in our gloriously plush automobiles knows how grateful Mary was to have a place to put her feet up and just be still. She didn’t get to rest long because soon our Savior made his entrance into the world.
Many will argue whether he was born in December or April. They may argue whether he was born in winter or summer. They may argue if he was ever born at all, but most people still celebrate the holidays. Whether you are celebrating the birth of a savior or salvation from oppression or the warmth light brings to the shortest days of the year, I just want to remind you that it isn’t all the lights and carefully wrapped presents and platters of food that bring true joy to this season.
Love is the true light of the holidays, so even if you didn’t get the tech gadget or shiny bauble that you wanted, put on a happy face because someone loves you. Some of you may be asking, “why?” Someone somewhere loves you because:
You are their child.
You are the answer to their prayers.
You smiled at them when they were at their lowest.
You are their sibling.
You share their interests.
You shared your chocolate with them.
You are their parent.
You are their aunt or uncle or god parent.
You always listen when they talk.
Even if you don’t know it, or believe it, you are deeply loved. I believe in a Father in Heaven who sent His son to be our Savior. I believe that He is the reason we celebrate Christmas even though I clearly love a good story about Santa and his reindeer.
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