Christmas thoughts

Christmas time means many things to us over he years of our lives, some more traditional than others. This year though, I've taken a different look at the familiar. Here are a few thoughts relating to the Christmas story. You may likely have a list of your own applications.

-- While I change, the message will not change.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. Titus 2:11 (NET)

-- I can expect the supernatural to be apart of and more common in my life.
The angel replied, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called the Son of God. Luke 1:35 (NET)

-- I should not always expect to understand things.
But Mary treasured up all these words, pondering in her heart what they might mean. Luke 2:19 (NET); Matthew 1:20

-- Despite my own internal issues, it is still good to be with family.
In those days Mary got up and went hurriedly into the hill country, to a town of Judah, and entered Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. Luke 1:39-40 (NET)

-- Messengers still bring the news.
Matthew 2:13; Luke 1:11; An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were absolutely terrified. Luke 2:9(NET)

-- Good news is welcome and should be shared.
Today your Savior is born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger. Luke 2:11-12 (NET)

-- I too can come to worship the King.
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, in the time of King Herod, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem  saying, "Where is the one who is born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." Matthew 2:1-2 (NET)

When they saw the star they shouted joyfully.  As they came into the house and saw the child with Mary his mother, they bowed down and worshiped him. Matthew 2:10-11a (NET)

-- I can bring gifts that can be used.
They opened their treasure boxes and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11b (NET)

-- After my God-experiences, I am to return to my every-day life.
Mathew 2:12;  So the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen; everything was just as they had been told. Luke 2:20 (NET)