This is part 2 of the gifts of Christmas series

I walk early in the morning, right as the sun inches its way above the horizon. I get a chance to see the beauty of the day before it is disturbed by the distractions of the world.

During the holiday season, it also allows me to experience the neighborhood Christmas pageantry before the lights are turned off for the day.

Some of the homes are simply decorated, icicles adorn rooftops, and wreaths are neatly hung on front doors or the occasional fence post. Others are an interesting combination of 10-foot blowup Santas surrounded by elves, reindeer, and the random polar bear. Still others are unique mixtures of swans wearing Christmas bows, pink flamingos in red stocking caps, and life-sized angels backlit for special effect. It is a beautiful blend of creative design and let’s-just-get-it-done.

Last week, I was walking my favorite path and noticed a home with a bigger-than-life Mary and Joseph. Mary was riding a donkey and Joseph stood stoically by her side. I loved the realness of the figures, a pleasant surprise to see amongst the sea of inflatables. But here is where the surprise turned to reflection.

Yesterday, I walked by the same home and this time, a manger graced the lawn. Mary and Joseph stared at their precious son, the story of Christmas frozen in time.

As I continued to walk, I couldn’t help but reenact the beloved story in my mind. I saw Mary resting in an animal stall. The low steady baa of baby lambs serenaded her as she anticipated her son’s birth. I watched as she held her baby and imagined her joy must be mixed with confusion as she reflected on the angel’s words,

“You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

Luke 1:31-33 New International Version (NIV)

God, in his goodness, has given us some amazing gifts.

He created us in his image, in his likeness – the gift of life. And then he sent his Son that Christmas morning making a way to reconcile us with himself – the gift of new life.

You must understand that from the day God created us, he knew we would reject him. He was never taken by surprise, never stunned by our actions. He has always known our disobedience would lead to the ultimate sacrifice.

Jesus’ birth that first Christmas day had a single purpose. It led to a cross where that same baby would make a way for our eternity.    

Hundreds of years before Jesus’ crucifixion, Isaiah prophesied,

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed… For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”

Isaiah 53: 5-12 NIV

Take a minute to allow that to sink in. God never had a Plan B, he has always known – that Christmas would lead to crucifixion. A sacrifice that led to the best gift, the gift of eternal life.

Romans 5:8 says,

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”

New Living Translation

As we close 2023, I encourage you to remember God’s great love for you. From the creation of the world and throughout history,

He created you uniquely.

Loves you unconditionally.

Made a way for your eternity.

You are His BeLOVED!

Merry Christmas,