Pure Refreshment 1.24 -> Christmas Anew

As the days count down to Christmas, life seems to speed up instead of slow down. There are final preparations to make for the arrival of loved ones. There are last-minute gifts to acquire while navigating through crowded stores and boutiques. There are stockings to fill, presents to wrap, and traditions to follow through on.

But despite the breakneck pace of the holiday, it’s also a good idea to slow down and reflect on why we celebrate. And in these moments, God wants to refresh you by presenting a gift of his very own.

It’s easy to read through the story of Jesus’ birth. It’s another thing entirely to pause and think about its significance, both in the tiny village of Bethlehem and in modern society. So may you hear the story in a new way this year. And as God refreshes you with his gift, may you in turn refresh others.

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…Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David’s town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant.

While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger because there was no room in the hostel.

There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:

Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.

As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.

--Luke 2:1-18 (The Message)