Even though Thanksgiving hasn’t arrived,

 the spirit of Christmas is definitely floating through the air.

Wisps of Christmas fragrances, faint melodies of Christmas songs,

hints of a lighter spirit in faces on the street………………….

there’s no denying the holiday season is upon us.

Ironically, my Bible reading the past week has been centered around a very different season in Jesus’ life.

I’ve been reading about His death and resurrection.

The peaceful Nativity scene held up next to the horrific images of Golgotha goes against everything beautiful about this time of year.

A tiny baby…………………….

born to die a painful death.

Deep inside, though, I believe this was His ultimate reason for coming.

His purpose.

His calling.

He saw Calvary before He arrived in Bethlehem………….

and yet He came………….

knowing that the stable would one day lead to the cross.

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We’re planning to decorate our home Friday evening.

I have lots of Nativity sets to set around my house.

They have become the favorite part of my decorations.

Reminders of His arrival.

Reminders of why we celebrate this holiday.

I love to look at all the figurines.

Joseph.

Mary.

Shepherds.

Farm animals.

Jesus in the manger.

His simple beginning in a tiny stable.

Angels sang, but it doesn’t seem like anyone other than the shepherds heard or even noticed all the excitement of the night.

The silence of the field must have been the perfect stage for God to make His announcement.

He seems to like speaking in places where people are ready to listen.

As you venture into the holiday season,

remember these two things.

First, when you see the tiny baby lying in the manger this year, don’t be afraid to look ahead and see Him on the cross.

Jesus entered the world for only one reason……………to die for your sins.

Be thankful for the whole picture………..the plan.

Second, make time to be quiet in a world filled with the hustle and bustle of the holiday.

There’s nothing like the Christmas season to fill our calendars with too much “busy.”

Don’t miss the wonder of it all.

Don’t miss Jesus as you celebrate His birth.

 

He’s the best gift you could ever receive.

Phil. 2:6-8

Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

rather, he made himself nothing

by taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

by becoming obedient to death—

even death on a cross!