I’ve been blessed by seeing many Christmases and I hope to see many more. They help me to remember that, in spite of the overwhelming emphaisis on gifts and commercialism, it’’s really about the birth of the Christ child.
This morning, as I have done for 40 or more years, I prepared to re-read the accounts of this world-touching event recorded in the books of Matthew and Luke. In the next several days, I will daily read re-read both accounts from start to finish. I invite you to join me in reading some of the stirring words available to us.
In my newspaper days, every year I tried to practice the old saying, “It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.” I did that to refresh the minds of readers who do not normally open a Bible, were too busy, or have other reasons why they did not take time to recall this part of their heritage.
As a person who made a living many years with words, I was always honored to remind newsper readers to notice how beautifully Luke wrote this story. He was master at presenting the events surrounding the birth of the Christ child. Oh, that I could write like that!
I still choke up when I read Luke’s magnificent prose, and reflect on what it means. I welcome you in joining me in reading both Matthew and Luke’s glorious stories from now until Chrirstmas. You might want to keep reading.
Whether you read those accounts or not, my prayer for you is that you have a joyous Christmas in the true spirit of the event, and you welcome the new year in faith and hope.