“And it came to
pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the
world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was
governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph
also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into 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 wife, who was with child. So
it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be
delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in
swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them
in the inn.” (Luke 2:1-7 NKJ)
pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the
world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was
governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph
also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into 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 wife, who was with child. So
it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be
delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in
swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them
in the inn.” (Luke 2:1-7 NKJ)
Nat King Cole sang
“I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and it became a classic holiday hit. We all know
about crowded bus stations, train terminals, and airports at Christmas. The
highways are not much better. Everyone wants to get home for Christmas to be
with family. Joseph and Mary did not go home to Bethlehem for Christmas. They
were ordered by the Emperor to come there for registration and taxion. In
actuality, they were there by divine decree to fulfill prophecy. They had come
home for a baby to be born.
“I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and it became a classic holiday hit. We all know
about crowded bus stations, train terminals, and airports at Christmas. The
highways are not much better. Everyone wants to get home for Christmas to be
with family. Joseph and Mary did not go home to Bethlehem for Christmas. They
were ordered by the Emperor to come there for registration and taxion. In
actuality, they were there by divine decree to fulfill prophecy. They had come
home for a baby to be born.
Former US Senate
Chaplain, Dr. Peter Marshall once said, “Something almost magical seems to
happen at Christmas. It’s as if the whole nation suddenly gets the real meaning
of it.” At Christmas, we walk with a little more pep; we smile more at
passersby; and we are more generous than any other time in the year. Our desire
to be home for Christmas is increased by the kitchen smells or memories of
mom’s baking. Christmas carols on the radio, TV, and in the stores encourage us
to go home for the holidays. Many things evoke memories of past Christmases and
perhaps happier times when we were children.
Chaplain, Dr. Peter Marshall once said, “Something almost magical seems to
happen at Christmas. It’s as if the whole nation suddenly gets the real meaning
of it.” At Christmas, we walk with a little more pep; we smile more at
passersby; and we are more generous than any other time in the year. Our desire
to be home for Christmas is increased by the kitchen smells or memories of
mom’s baking. Christmas carols on the radio, TV, and in the stores encourage us
to go home for the holidays. Many things evoke memories of past Christmases and
perhaps happier times when we were children.
In The Pickwick Papers Charles Dickens wrote,
“Happy, happy Christmas that can win us back to the delusions of our childhood
days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can
transport the sailor and traveler, thousands of miles away, back to his own fireside
and his quiet home.”
“Happy, happy Christmas that can win us back to the delusions of our childhood
days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can
transport the sailor and traveler, thousands of miles away, back to his own fireside
and his quiet home.”
We all long to be at
home for Christmas. How much better it would be to be in our heavenly home! Not
just for Christmas but for all eternity! The baby born on that first Christmas
in Bethlehem grew up and became our Savior. He was crucified on Calvary so that
you and I would have a home in the Father’s house. We are here this 24th day of
December 2006 because we have a yearning to be at home with the Lord.
home for Christmas. How much better it would be to be in our heavenly home! Not
just for Christmas but for all eternity! The baby born on that first Christmas
in Bethlehem grew up and became our Savior. He was crucified on Calvary so that
you and I would have a home in the Father’s house. We are here this 24th day of
December 2006 because we have a yearning to be at home with the Lord.
Our earthly home may
not have been a happy home. Perhaps our parents are no longer living. Perhaps
it isn’t convenient to get together with family. We should remember, however,
that our family gatherings here; the family around the Christmas tree; the various
celebrations, etc are all preparing us for that day when we shall all go home
for the final Christmas celebration in the Father’s house.
not have been a happy home. Perhaps our parents are no longer living. Perhaps
it isn’t convenient to get together with family. We should remember, however,
that our family gatherings here; the family around the Christmas tree; the various
celebrations, etc are all preparing us for that day when we shall all go home
for the final Christmas celebration in the Father’s house.
Dear Father, thank
you for our home you have prepared for us in your house. Empower us to
persevere to the end so that we may possess it fully. I pray this in the name
of Jesus. AMEN
you for our home you have prepared for us in your house. Empower us to
persevere to the end so that we may possess it fully. I pray this in the name
of Jesus. AMEN
Be strong and
courageous today enjoying Christmas at home,
courageous today enjoying Christmas at home,