December 25th - Reflection

Nativity of Our Lord
Luke 2:1-20 (NRSV)
God with us

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Reflection
What more can we say. What can we say but thanks be to God! God chose to announce the birth of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, to some of the most despised people of the time. Yet at the same time these very people rejoice in witnessing the heavens opening up in joy and song of our God taking on flesh and becoming one of us.

God is with us. God is one of us. God now knows his creation first hand. And God is by our side and yes even in our side day after day. God is so much closer than you think or could ever imagine. In all the troubles, joys, celebrations, illness, and issues of this life; God is closer than you think. Through Jesus and his teaching, healing, life, suffering, death and resurrection, we are freely given God with us. God is closer than you think. Treasure this thought. Live this thought. Know this thought is always true. God is closer than you think. Thanks be to God! Christ has come! Alleluia!

Prayer
Lord, I give you thanks for taking on flesh. I give you thanks for coming into my heart. I give you thanks for your presence in my life. Lord...I give you thanks! --- Amen