The focus of the Christmas story in literature and song is Jesus, as it should be. A lot has been written about Mary in literature and song, the mother of the Savior, as it should be. What about Joseph? Scholars tell us that Mary and Joseph were probably in their teens when Christ was born. When it became known that Mary was pregnant Joseph had a decision to make. Since their marriage had not been consummated, Joseph was advised to end the relationship because many thought she had been unfaithful to her betrothed.

As Joseph pondered his options he received an angelic visit as was informed that his bride was going to give birth to the Messiah. In order to protect Mary from public ridicule, Joseph took Mary with him to Bethlehem to pay their taxes. Prophecy tells us that the Savior would be born in Bethlehem and Joseph was descended from the line of king David, fulfilling additional prophecy. Being obedient to God, through the voice of an angel, Joseph became the earthly caregiver to the King of kings.

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

Some of you have seen the first two rockers pictured here. The rocking horse was cut out by my father and painted by my mother for our daughter. It’s over 45 years old. The wooden rocker was purchased by my parents for me and has been mine for nearly eight decades! The new addition is a rocker my wife and I purchased for our daughter. Recently, I re-painted it to a satin black finish and my wife re-covered it in this awesome Mickey/Minnie fabric. I think it is beyond cool and can’t wait to capture some images of the youngest great grandson rocking away. The stuffed toys seem to like the rockers and are seen here just Rockin’ Around the Christmas tree. More about Boomer and Mooseltoe in an upcoming post.

Have you ever had something happen to you that was just too good to be true? Did you feel like you were living in a dream? Do you still look back on that event and it brings a smile to your face and warms your soul?

The second chapter of Luke gives us the most complete story of the birth of Christ and it should warm our soul. Mary was a godly young lady when the angel Gabriel visited her and revealed that she would give birth to the Messiah. At first, Scripture tells us, Mary was a bit confused and disturbed, by the angelic visit, but she was obedient to the will of God.

Once Christ was born visitors arrived to see the new born king, including shepherds from nearby fields who had received the Good News from a host of heavenly angels. However, Scripture indicates that Mary kept these things in her heart and pondered them often. The story is the inspiration for a classic Christmas song.

We live in a world that is desperate for Peace. Three of the most common issues that people of all ages complain about is loneliness, anxiety, and depression. These feelings are most common in our young adults between the ages of 18 – 34. The truth is, peace will not be found in this fallen world. Peace comes only from within and from a heart committed to loving and obeying the One who created us. Peace came to a stable in Bethlehem. Peace lived a life free from sin to set an example for us. Peace died on a cross to pay the price for our sin and Peace conquered death and the grave on a Resurrection Sunday morn. We are promised a peace that is impossible for a lost world to understand and we are promised that Peace will never forsake us or leave us. In this temporary world, eternal Peace is available.

John 3:16-17 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.  God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

Ephesians 2:8-10  God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.  Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.  For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

The three greatest events in all of history are the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These three events paid the price for the sin of mankind and provided a path to eternity in paradise with the Creator.

The apostle Paul tells us in the Romans 3:23 that everyone one of us has committed sins that prevent us from having a relationship with God. Romans 6:23 tells us that the price to be paid for our sins is death. All of us are going to experience physical death, but Paul is speaking of eternal separation from God and that is spiritual death. The only thing that can keep us from having to pay that price is the sacrifice of a spotless lamb of God, one without sin, and that lamb came in the form of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21 states, “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” In John 14:6 Christ told his apostles, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” Ephesians 2:8-9 says we are saved by the Grace of God and not by anything we have done, so we have no bragging rights concerning our salvation. Acts 4:12 declares, “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” These are the facts. The unique thing about the truth is that it does not require us to believe it in order to be true. Truth is turth, whether we believe it or not.

The apostle John reminds us in John 3:17 that Jesus did not come into this world to condemn it, but that the world, through Him could be saved. God loves each of us enough to sacrifice His own Son in order for us to spend eternity with Him. He gives us the choice to accept or reject that truth. The journey that ended in a tomb on Resurrection Sunday, began in a stable in Bethlehem. It was a Labor of Love. To God be the Glory. Merry Christmas to one and all.