The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.1
I enjoy travelling with my family to new places and exploring. I guess it is my curiosity for anything new for whenever I explore nature, I am awed by the beauty and splendor of His creation from the great expanse, the grandiose land, and the still or violent waters to the minutest creatures; I marvel at God’s limitless creativity for variety, size, and color.
Even more mind boggling is the realization that God chose to relate to us by stooping to our level and coming down to earth; born by woman, who gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger. . .2 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 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 among those with whom he is pleased!”3
“This time of year it’s so wonderful to hear the Christ-filled verses of Joy to the World, O Come All Ye Faithful, O Holy Night, and Hark the Herald Angels Sing. In 17th century England, the winter holidays had become so raucous with drunkenness and rioting that decent citizens were afraid to leave their houses, so in 1644, the English Parliament passed a law forbidding the celebration of Christmas.
“Gradually, carols about Jesus became popular, and many began rejoicing at Christmas time with worship and praise. Christmas was proclaimed legal again.
“In giving us Christ, God gave unspeakable grace, His unmerited love and blessing. This is the most joyful gift we can receive.”4
From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and a Joy-filled New Year!
Notes:
1. Psalm 19:1
2. Luke 2:7
3. Luke 2:9-11, 13-14
4. Taylor, Wayne. Tidings of Great Joy, Dec 19.
