" To all who received [Jesus], to those who believed in his name, he gave the right [the power] to become children of God." [John 1: 12]
What is it that feels so special about Christmas?
Is it the awe and wonder on the faces of the children, when they run to the Christmas tree to see what gifts are awaiting them ?
Is it the innocent sound of a childrens' choir, singing Christmas carols?
Is it the sweet scent of the pine tree or evergreen boughs gracing our home?
Is it the crunch of new snow underfoot, and the surprising burst of fog as we exhale the cold air?
Is it the cocoa-y rich taste of a hot chocolate after an afternoon of sledding?
Is it the glow of lights on the outdoor trees and shrubs, banishing the darkness?
Is it the comfort foods of our heritage-- the dinner of seven fishes on Christmas Eve in Italian families, the plum pudding set aflame in English families, the dense, rich Buche de Noel in French families?
Is it the burst of sparks from the new log placed on the fire?
Is it the reunion with family and friends around a holiday table, breaking bread together?
To me, Christmas is all these things. But these are only the outward manifestations of Christmas.
Christmas truly is the tiny babe who unto us is born, that newborn child sleeping in a humble manger -- who nevertheless was the gift that changed us-- that changed the world!
Christmas is the unfolding of His Power --a force to bring change to the world, and to change US. Christmas is the totality of His humble, peaceful, loving, hopeful and joyous Self!
God, of all the gifts I have received, the most sacred and blessed is the coming of Your only Son, Jesus, whose name means "God saves."
(c) The Spiritual Devotional 2011. All Rights Reserved.
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