Christmas Every Day

“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered…  And Joseph went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and 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 among those with whom he is pleased!'” Luke 2:1,4-14

When asked a favorite thing that made Christmas special, a friend said, “I awaken every day so thankful for Jesus, and His grace and gift of salvation, that He would come for me… that I celebrate Christmas every day.” In other words, everything about Jesus makes Christmas not only Christmas, but special, and daily. Journeying to Bethlehem, bowing over the Christ child, standing in awe at the heavenly hosts, marveling at their shout of Glory, hushing at the Savior’s peace, all keep Christmas in our hearts. When we contemplate Christ-mas, mas from the Latin missa– ‘dismissal,’ we celebrate Christ’s giving of Himself for us and sending us out to be His body in the world. Indeed, Christmas every day!

Christmas is pregnant with wonder and joy, yet Jesus came for so much more than His earthly birth. We marvel at Christmas every day when we see God in the manger of daily doldrums; the Carpenter calling fishermen and discipling a chosen few, including our ordinary selves; the Divine touching and healing untouchables and our hurts, and with those same hands washing His disciples’ feet and our heinous hearts; Jesus praying for His own, and in Gethsemane agony, and over us; and the Savior of the world giving up His spirit on a cross for sinners across time. He lives in and for us, pours out eternal life, and is coming again. Christ is worthy of every day merry. Lift high our voice! (Matthew 4:18-22; 26:36-42; Mark 1:40-45; John 13:4-5; 14:16-18; 17:6-18; 19:28-30; Romans 8:27,34; Revelation 22:20)

How can we celebrate Christmas anew? With what fresh wonder will we walk the road to Bethlehem, hover at the manger, or stand in reverent fear in the God-lit fields? With what new melody will we praise the Highest, and how with that same voice spread His peace in our homes and circles of influence?

Lord Jesus, instill in me the wonder and joy of Your coming and giving, and be exalted in Christmas glory every day.