Merry Christmas

"Then the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, 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, goodwill toward men!" - Luke 2:10-14


This is Christmas. It's not just a day. It's not a single hour. It's not a single place. It doesn't have to have snow, or a tree, or mistletoe, or even presents. It's a spirit - an auora.

We have this day (and season) to prepare then celebrate the birth of a Christ child. A little baby, born over two millenia ago in a little town called Bethlehem. We celebrate not only that this child was born, but for what he grew to become. In the same way we exchange gifts today, Jesus is a gift to us... the first Christmas present. He is a gift that can never be matched - one that only God himself is capable of. He came to give us the good news, that there is a God who, in the words of a tomato named Bob, "loves us very much."

Let us not forget this Christmas the twenty-two chapters of Luke that follow the story of Christ's birth. May we remember that this is the beginning of a story... a story that lives on today within you and me. A story that is filled with love, joy, peace, and so much more.

We've spent an entire month - since the day after Thanksgiving - preparing the way for the birth of a new baby brother to us all. Let us now take a day to welcome this baby... a baby who makes us smile just at the sight of him... who brings joy to everyone who is near... may we invite this little babe into our hearts anew, our brother - from our father. A father who loves us beyond all measure.

This, my friend, is Christmas. May yours be joyous and bright, and may you as well rekindle a life-long love in your brother, God's son, Jesus. Happy birthday bro... in the same way I cannot describe the love you have for me, I can't quite use words to describe the love I have for you. May your birthday be a light for all men, and may the angels still sing, "Glory to God in the highest... and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

merry Christmas to all,
your brother in Christ,
chris

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