HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

 “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census
 should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first
 census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
 And everyone went to his own town to register.” Luke 2:1-3

Every year, people try to get home for Christmas. There seems to be this inborn desire to return to our “roots”; to be with the people we love, experience the traditions we cherish and to somehow reconnect with our childhood memories of Christmas. We temporarily push aside our problems and rush toward the promise of happiness that the glitter and glitz of the season promote. For those who don’t have picturesque memories of Christmas, they work extra hard to provide that “perfect” Christmas for their own families; creating new traditions, with new friends or family and going the extra mile to make the season special. Whether your family is reliving or recreating Christmas traditions I hope and pray that you make it “Home for Christmas” this year.   
 
Him - “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:4-7. Even from the beginning, Christmas was about “Him”; Jesus. Joseph and Mary were summoned by law to make it home to register for the census. They couldn’t find a room at the inn, so they spent that night in the stable out back. It wasn’t fancy but it was memorable as Mary gave birth to Jesus. Regardless of where you spend Christmas this year; you can be “home for Christmas” if Christ is in your heart.
 
Others - “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 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. 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." Luke 2:8-12. The birth of a child is a special time. Often new parents do not want a lot of company during this private moment. However, the arrival of Jesus was anything but ordinary. Angels appeared to shepherds and invited them over to celebrate the occasion. As you celebrate Christmas, don’t forget the “others” in your life. Give them the opportunity to “experience” the birth of Christ as your family celebrates His birth in your home. God sent angels far and wide delivering His birth announcements. He wanted “others” to be “home for Christmas” as well.
  
Memories - “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”  Luke 2:15-19. Memories are like motivational tapes that we play over and over again in our heads. The shepherds were so motivated that they “spread the word” about their experience with anyone who would listen. Mary “treasured” these memories in her heart like a precious gift. Every time she remembered the experience she would contemplate the meaning for herself and those around her. Are you sharing your “memories” of Jesus with anyone? What a special gift to give them. Are you “pondering” your memories gleaning significance for living your life? What a special gift to give yourself. Make it “home for Christmas” by thanking God for the greatest gift of all.
 
Everything - “When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.” Luke 2:39-40. It’s interesting to read that when Joseph and Mary had “done everything” required by the Law and returned home that Jesus began to “grow”; physically and spiritually. What an understatement! After Mary and Joseph had “done everything” according to the Law, Jesus was becoming “Everything”. God gave us a “gift” that literally keeps on giving. When we accept Jesus as the “Everything” of our life we receive His “gift” of salvation and do not have to live in fear of the requirements of the Law. Wow, that’s something to celebrate! That’s what coming “home for Christmas” is really all about.   
 
I hope you are able to go “home for Christmas” this year if only in your mind. Put your feet up, replay the memory of when you opened your “gift” from God and thank Him because now you have “Everything” you need. If you have never opened this “gift” from God, I encourage you to “ponder these things in your heart” and come “Home for Christmas” this year. Merry Christmas from our home to yours and don’t forget to “Check Your Pulse”!