"O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by: yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light; the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above, while mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love. O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth! And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth. How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven. No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in. O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; cast out our sin and enter in; be born in us today. we hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; o come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!" (O Little Town of Bethlehem by Phillips Brooks, 1868).
Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year. When we remember and celebrate the true meaning and conception of Christmas, this is a season full of hope, peace, love, joy, happiness and praise. If you want to read the prophecy of Jesus' birth and the account of His birth, click here.
Take a moment today away from the hustle and bustle of this world to just ponder and reflect on the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. "But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:19).
1. Praise God the Father for His miraculous gift and for sending His only Son to us to reconcile us so we can be adopted and called children of God.
2. Ponder the beauty of Jesus' obedience to God the Father and His love for us that He gave up heaven to be born as a baby (100% man, 100% God) and live a humble life on Earth for us so we can be saved from our sins and so He can call us His brothers and sisters and His friends.
3. Pray for those who have not accepted God's gift of salvation specifically for your loved ones and those you personally know, that this Christmas they would grasp the true meaning and be saved.
Very nice Christmas blog and a nice read by the Christmas decorations for the family. Time to reflect on why there is a Christmas, Merry Christmas to all.