And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:8-12, NIV)
I do not know what day Jesus was born … but I am grateful that so many in the world have found a day to celebrate His birth.
I do not know how many wise men came from afar to worship Him … but it would make sense that any wise man, who came that far, would bring a gift.
I do not know if the cattle were lowing (but since that is what cattle do, I would assume that would be the case) … but I would be surprised at any baby that “no crying he makes”.
I do not know just how silent the night was with angels singing … with shepherds worshiping … with a baby crying … (and yes, those cattle lowing) … but it was a holy night. (Pretty sure, too, that Mary would not have let any little drummer boy bang on his drums while she was trying to put her baby to sleep.)
I do not know if He was born in a barn … a stable … or a cave that served as a stable … but I know that there was no room for Him at the Inn and His first crib was a manger.
There are many things I do not know about that day … but I do know that He was born to be a Savior. And if He was born to be a Savior … that would imply that He was born … for sinners.
Merry Christmas to you and yours … from this sinner.
Can there by anything wrong with one lover giving another a compliment? With one lover offering the other an unsolicited gift? With one lover deciding to celebrate the other…just because?! With one lover singing their own song simply for joy of the other?
The Bible makes clear that we sinners are not to add to or take away from God’s Word. But how did we get from that to the idea that love cannot go beyond the minimum in offering itself to the Beloved? Isn’t it clear that surely it must be especially pleasing to our Beloved to receive the spontaneous, uncommanded, volunteer, “just-because-I-love-you” gifts and deeds from us?
Merry Christmas, Jesus. Thank you for making the hearts of sinners sing when we thought we never again would.
And Merry Christmas, dear friend. Thank you for teaching the song to all who will listen and learn.
By: oakesclan on December 24, 2008
at 12:45 pm
I spent most of my younger life telling folks why we couldn’t celebrate Christmas as Jesus’ birth. Now why..just why…didn’t I use that energy just telling them ABOUT Jesus’ birth? I don’t know that the when of it really matters…I am just blessed that He saw fit to send His only begotten Son to save me from my sins….because I needed saved.
Thank you Father for that gift. Let my life be lived in such a way as to be a gift to you in return.
Thank you, Rex for helping me come back home. You are a gift. May God pour blessings on you my friend.
By: sherryfisher on December 24, 2008
at 1:20 pm
Merry Christmas, Rex.
By: James on December 24, 2008
at 3:26 pm
I was thinking today just how special it really is that the world takes a moment to stop and remember that our Savior was born…
I am so thankful that He was born…that He came…that He suffered…that He died…and that He lives!
What would the world be if Jesus were never born??? I hate to even imagine!
Merry Christmas friend…I love you!
By: Dennis Wilson on December 24, 2008
at 9:34 pm
Merry Christmas Rex. Thanks for walking with me this week and showing me that there are so many other reasons it can be Merry…and should be Merry. Invaluable lesson you’ve given me (one of hundreds) that I am taking to heart. I’m so glad you’re my brother….
By: Email Girl on December 25, 2008
at 1:56 am
Once again you’ve reminded me that inspite of what I don’t know there are always things I do know that are better focussed on.
Once again you’ve reminded me that Jesus came to save sinners … that’s what is so incredible about His birth. It represents to us the kept promise of God … the gift God planned to give us from the beginning … the rescue that God planned for His ever wandering sheep.
I am grateful to have been shown over this last year how God’s plan was always there being lived out in amazing ways by His creation. I am even more grateful still to be reminded that His plan did not stop with the crucifixion … or even the resurrection … it is still working up to that eternal finale. My prayer … hurry up please!!!
By: cemotosnack on December 27, 2008
at 5:50 pm
Rex…..
I sure hope you get this! I have just found you…after many years of wondering. I am so glad to read a bit of what you have written.
My brother, as you always have been and forever will be, I love you.
You ministered to me that day I sat on the floor of your office….you lent me your Bible….you called me to repentance. You brought me back to God…even stood me up in front of the Sunset college class!! Many years and many trials and many falls later, I am still so blessed by your love and acceptance….and showing me Jesus with skin on!!! Bless you.
By: Jeff Rowland on February 9, 2009
at 10:42 am
Thanks Rex! You continue to bless my life. I thank God for you every time I think of you.
By: Deny Lemaster on February 10, 2009
at 10:56 am
Rex, I miss your posts.
By: chautona on February 22, 2009
at 5:05 pm