Morning Musing Over Coffee - Christmas in Bethlehem

credit: Michelle Meiklejohn

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11

Christmas in Bethlehem. The ancient dream: a cold, clear night made brilliant by a glorious star, the smell of incense, shepherds and wise men falling to their knees in adoration of the sweet baby, the incarnation of perfect love. ~ Lucinda Franks

". . . the sweet baby, the incarnation of perfect love." What an awesome privilege those wise men and shepherds had, to see that sweet baby, to pay homage, to kneel and worship and present gifts. I'm sure that just for a little time seemed to stand still and all else faded around them as if of no importance.

And today, we too, have that same privilege and yet one even greater. For not only do we come into the presence of this glorious Son of God, but He goes with us. And even after those time stopping, reality fading moments of worship, He is with us still. He is with us in the day to day, mundaneness, the moments of joy and the moments of sorrow, in a way that He could not be for those shepherds and wise men so long ago.

What a blessing, what a gift we are given, this Christmas and all through the year.

And yet, this gift is not just for us to hold tightly to ourselves, but to share. For in receiving this gift, we also accept the responsibility and are given the desire to share this awesome gift of love, of salvation, of peace and joy. We are to share this gift with our families, our neighbors, our friends, and even those who are against us.

For it is by sharing that we say thank you to the Giver of the gift.


Credit: dan