And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths...
-- Luke 2:6-7
Well, it's official. I tuned my radio dial to all Christmas music all the time. Driving in this morning the last song to play was It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas. (Now spend the next 15 minutes trying to get that one out of your brain. You're welcome.) In KC the Plaza lights are shining and Union Station is a sight to see. My Facebook Marketplace tree is even up. Lit, not decorated.
Christmas is here.... ready or not.
Only a few people were ready on the first Christmas. Joseph was ready. Mary was readier (an Okie word).
Some were surprised, in a good way: Wise men looking to the stars; shepherds counting those stars while reclining on a hillside. For others the surprise of God's nearness would bring concern and worse.
An old man, Simeon, and an old woman, Anna had both been looking forward to that first Christmas morning a long, long time. The source of their anticipation was not that of reindeer hooves on the roof, or left-over cookie crumbs and milk residue. They were waiting on a promise.
On that first Christmas morning the Promised One came:
A mother screamed in pain and joy.
An earthly father cried.
A Heavenly Father smiled with a broken heart.
Angels broke out in a chorus that would put any Super Bowl halftime show to shame.
Stars burst to life.
Shepherds turned to stunned statues.
The world gasped.
History split.
Christmas season is here; and Christmas day will be upon us soon. I like how Paul put it in a letter: ...when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman... (Galatians 4:4). The time is full. Christmas is here.
It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas. (What, you thought I'd let you off that easy?)
God, let me hear the ringing sounds of Angel voices, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased." Be pleased with me; with us. Help us this Christmas season to know the joy of your pleasure.
For now...
D
