Beyond the trees and lights, Beyond the bows and wrapping paper, Beyond the sounds of carolers and smells of gingerbread, Beyond the armloads of gifts and the grim reality of credit card bills, Beyond red-suit clad Santa’s and tiny angels adorned with tin foil halos, Ever wondered what Christmas was all about? Far from the glamorous festivities that mark today's celebrations, the first Christmas proved the humblest of events.
A couple engaged, but not yet married, traveled to a distant city to pay taxes. Adding to the rigors of the journey was the woman's very-pregnant condition. Despite her state, she claimed to be a virgin and said the child she carried was the Son of God, not the product of any human relationship. How the tongues must have wagged in ancient Palestine! Probably they questioned her sanity. Certainly they challenged her morality. And they must have wondered about the intelligence of her husband-to-be. What sort of man would marry a woman about to have a child that was not his?
Whatever the community thought, Mary knew the truth. Joseph initially doubted his bride-to-be's fantastical story, but an angel appeared to him one night and told him that the child was indeed God's and that his fiancée was pure and honorable, a suitable wife. After that night, Joseph needed no more convincing. Together, the couple made plans for their new life as one flesh, and for the addition that was soon to grace their family. That meant obeying Caesar and paying taxes.
Yet when the twosome reached the city, they could find nowhere to stay. Every room in the city was taken. Mary's condition complicated matters. The child was ready to be born. And as any woman who has ever given birth knows, babies don't delay their arrivals because of inadequate facilities.
Finding no other shelter, Joseph and Mary settled for a stable--a common barn filled with animals and the accompanying smells. The baby came, but no soft receiving blankets graced his skin. No sterile crib awaited the squirming newborn. Mary did the best she could for her baby. She wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in the softest spot the barn offered--a trough filled with hay.
Glamorous? No.
Festive? Hardly.
But glorious? Yes. A thousand times yes.
You see, like any proud father, the infant's Father (God Himself) hastened to announce His Son's birth. Yet unlike any other father, He proclaimed the good news as only God could.
Without warning, the night sky over Bethlehem came alive. An angel split the night-sky, hovering over a pasture filled with shepherds. Fear gripped their hearts, but the heavenly visitor immediately spoke peace. "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Before they had time to regain their composure, similar creatures literally filled the sky. And angelic praise shattered the typical evening quiet. The shepherds probably didn't think twice. Who would have under the circumstances?
Abandoning their flocks, they headed back into Bethlehem. They didn't stop until they found the child about whom the angels sang. Then, there in the barn, they worshipped the newborn King.
That is the glorious event we do celebrate, every year on the 25th of December.
With a tree bursting at the base with gifts so thoughtfully chosen, and decorated with such care and precision, it arrives. Has Santa been, kids everywhere rush from their bunk beds to see what delights await. The latest Power Ranger or Barbie doll? Parents across the country despair. After a typically chaotic present opening session the hard work commences. Turkey – DONE! In the immortal words of Gordon Ramsey.
Sitting round the overly crowded dining table with family members you wont see till next Christmas or Easter if your lucky, we gather round the television to watch the Queen’s speech, listening intently as we are given a message of hope and optimism for the future. Alternatively, as a growing number do, you can flick over to Channel 4 for an enlightened look at the years events, usually brought to you by modern cultural powerhouses namely Ali G or Marge Simpson.
Then, after consuming a years worth of calories in one sitting, a bloated kindred plunk themselves on the sofa and relax as Goldfinger or any other 007 that happens to be transmitted begins before the round of special episodes commence. A particular highlight for most is the yearly screening of ‘The Snowman’ a true Christmas masterpiece. Have we forgotten why we gather on this day?
I ask, on the days leading up to the monumentous day, while trawling round the shops looking for that perfect gift for your sibling, parent or significant other. Becoming increasingly annoyed by the endless repeating of Slade and Wizzard, combined with whatever a Z-list celebrity has decided to call an ‘X-mas’ song. Think about those less fortunate. After all this time of year is about giving, forgiveness and goodwill to all.
I wish you all a very happy Christmas.
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