Hello, God. It's me, Mara.

You know, Lord, J. F. Newton wrote, “Only God could have thought of Christmas. Its beauty is beyond the intelligence of mortals, so simple in its sublimity, so homey, yet so heavenly. It is a scene to sanctify the world, as if to teach us that God enters the life of man by lowly doors, attended by starry ideals and simple shepherd sentiments. Yes, Christmas is both a fact and faith; but even if it were only a brief season of good-will, a holiday from the forgetfulness of others, or just a family festival, it would be welcome.

If Christmas becomes a demanding holiday, Lord, that’s humanity’s fault, not Yours. The pure simplicity of faith is an almighty God Who comes to us in the form of a Babe which makes this a holiday of rejoicing. May we put aside a few moments each day while we’re busy with cards, cleaning, cookies, crafts, and caroling to reflect on the true meaning of this special time.

We could give a moment’s thoughts to the hardship of Mary and Joseph as they journeyed to Bethlehem; a pregnant teenager, tired, cold and in labor. If this was the promised Messiah, surely there would be a room reserved? Right? What a way to announce the birth with angels — that probably scared those poor shepherds half to death. By lowly doors, Your gift came — accessible to all mankind.

May this Christmas, with its celestial simplicity as Your gift to mankind, shine throughout our hearts, our homes and our lives. The Bible teaches that the angels made merry at Christ’s birth as we read  Luke 2:13: “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!” Thank You, Lord, for Christmas.

Love, Mara