Christmas Walk

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and the line of David…Luke 2:4

It’s December!

If your calendar resembles mine…the days are filled with Christmas parties…Christmas programs…decorating…baking cookies…shopping…wrapping…mailing Christmas cards…family gatherings…and numerous other Christmas activities!

Last night was just one of the many activities that is on my calendar this year…it was our Downtown Christmas walk!

Shops are opened and ready to greet the numerous visitors that will walk through their doors on this festive evening.

The shop windows are warm and inviting, encouraging all who are participating in the walk to visit their store.

Once inside, you marvel at the beautiful decorations that adorn their aisles…or the lighted trees that decorate many of the shops!

And many of the stores have goodies, coffee and punch to serve you as you shop!  It truly is a joyful and merry evening!

As you stroll down the streets to your next destination, you might view trolleys carrying passengers, as well as, families enjoying a cheerful ride in a horse-drawn carriage!

And of course, the Christmas walk would not be complete without an opportunity to visit Santa!

Although there were several shops to visit, our walk last night was not a lengthy one! 

And though I had a wonderful time strolling down the streets with my husband…visiting numerous shops….sampling the assortment of goodies that were served…I am mindful of the true meaning of the season.

And as I reflect upon what this season is truly about…I am completely aware that over 2,000 years ago, a young couple took a much longer walk…a journey… because Caesar Augustus had issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.

God’s word tells us…So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and the line of David…Luke 2:4

Joseph didn’t travel alone.   God’s word tells us that he took Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child…God’s child!

This couple made this long trek together! 

There were no comforts along the way!

There were no shops to step inside to get out of the cold…no special goodies or drinks to sample along the way.

Yet, they continued until they reached their destination, only to find out there was no room for them to stay once they arrived.

But God had a plan…

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them…Luke 2:6-7.

I imagine many of us would never have thought that God’s son…His one and only son… would be born in a stable and his bed would be a manager!

Yet, what a glorious event it was!

As we continue to read God’s word, it says…

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”…Luke 2:8-14

I love reading that our Lord and Savior, Jesus… was born on that evening over 2,000 years ago!

A tiny baby…born in humble surroundings… the Messiah…the Lord!

I love reading that there was a great celebration…that a great company of heavenly host appeared…praising God, and saying…”Glory to God in the highest heaven”!!

I can only imagine how magnificent their voices sounded as they lifted their voices in praise to our Heavenly Father!

I love picturing the Christmas story and the events that unfolded on that special evening many years ago!

So, yes…as each of us enjoy numerous Christmas activities…let us take time to remember and reflect upon the events that unfolded over 2,000 years ago…the birth of our Lord and Savior!

Let us remember…and let us praise HIM…just as the angels did on that special evening!

Dear Heavenly Father…thank you for sending your son to us…a tiny baby born in humble surroundings…our Savior.  As we enter this season of festivities…I pray each of us take time to reflect upon that special night so many years ago…and that each of us draws closer to you!  Thank you for the greatest gift of all!