It….

I don't remember the first time I ever heard the story of Christmas, the story of the birth of Jesus, nor when Gods' plan of salvation was first explained to me. In my memory, this is something that has just always been. And there are times when I wish that I did not know the story. You see, with knowing something for a long period of time, there comes a certain level of "callousness" that comes with knowledge.

That is one reason why I love Christmas. You see, even though I get just as caught up in the hustle and bustle of shopping and decorating, at some point IT happens. One year IT was while I was up late playing Santa, putting packages under the tree for the kids. Another year IT was while I was driving home on Christmas eve and the roads were empty. What is the IT I am referring to? IT is when that quiet moment hits, when, for just a moment, the Christmas story hits me, and the wonder of it all shines again, when I am amazed at what a wonderful gift that God has given me. And for those few minutes, the callousness of my heart is stripped away. I may not remember the first time I was told the Christmas story, but during this time, I briefly feel the wonder and amazement of Gods' gift to me.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. ([And] this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 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.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen [it], they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard [it] wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered [them] in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

This, this is Christ, the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary!

- From Luke Chapter 2, Matthew Chapter 1 (KJV) and the Chorus from "What Child is this?"

Perhaps you may believe that this sounds a bit cliché, but this year, remember that Jesus really is the reason for the season.  At some point during this busy time you will have a few moments of quiet.  At that time, sit back and ponder. Allow IT to happen to you, and remember the joy you had when you first heard the message.

Merry Christmas.