“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
My family and I just got back from New York City last night. The trip was a gift that we decided to give ourselves. I’m not sure my son would have chosen the gift but we forced it upon him anyway. Funny thing about gifts, you have to accept them. A gift isn’t a gift until you receive it.
New York is magical, but at Christmas, it is spectacular! There are light shows on the side of buildings, hot dog vendors on every corner, the largest decorated Christmas trees I have ever seen and people singing and playing music everywhere.” Joy to the World” seemed to be my theme song.
In the midst of all the big Christmas fun, we took the time to slip into St. Patrick’s Cathedral. In the quiet of that holy place, we were reminded that love came down to us at Christmas time. I needed the reminder.
On our last night in the city, we walked a slower pace, taking in the final sights as our adventure was coming to an end. As we turned the corner of West 34th Street, there on the side of the Macy’s building, in radiant splendor, were the words, “Believe.” What I gift! I felt a bit like those shepherds. 
Luke 2:8-12 The Passion reads;
“That night, in a field near Bethlehem, there were shepherds watching over their flocks. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared in radiant splendor before them, lighting up the field with the blazing glory of God, and the shepherds were terrified! 10 But the angel reassured them, saying, “Don’t be afraid. For I have come to bring you good news, the most joyous news the world has ever heard! And it is for everyone everywhere! 11 For today in Bethlehem a rescuer was born for you. He is the Lord Yahweh, the Messiah. 12 You will recognize him by this miracle sign: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a feeding trough!”
Do you believe?
On that night so long ago, God lit up the sky with “the most joyous news the world has ever heard!”
“Joy to the world, the Lord has come. Let earth receive His peace.”
God is still lighting up our lives everyday reminding us that Love has arrived! That spectacular love is available to everyone, everywhere!
Love came down…
Jesus is the gift that keeps on giving. Later, by giving us His life, He gave us life eternal. What a gift! Although He died, three days later, He rose again and is now seated with God the Father. But wait, the gift keeps giving. For He left us with another gift, the Holy Spirit, which lives and breathes inside of each and everyone of us.
Have you received the gift?
Love came down and rescued us. Jesus is the one that makes sense of this crazy world we live in. The one who brings peace to our chaos, love to our brokenness and joy in our lives. The moment Jesus was born, LOVE arrived. God is now here with us. “Joy to the World! The Lord has come!” Oh, what a gift!
Believing is receiving!
On that night so long ago, God gave us the greatest gift ever given. Love came down and lived among us. If you receive that gift of love, Jesus will live in you. Love will be you. Then you can share that gift of love everywhere you go with everyone you meet.
This gift is available to us not just at Christmas time but each and every day. Every time we say “YES” to Jesus, love comes down and lives inside of us. Believe in the greatest gift ever given and receive it like the shepherds did.
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Let the song below be your prayer this Christmas. (If you can’t see it, click the link and view from your browser.)
“There’s a choice we must make each and every day. So close your eyes and share the dream that everyone on earth believes. The child was born, the stars shone bright and love came down at Christmastime.”
Merry Christmas! -M
