“For Unto Us a Child is Born…….”

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

It seemed just like any other day to me today.  I woke up and felt the need to clean the house and get things in order.  I am a bit “OCD” and just function better in an environment when things are clean and orderly and yes  SOMETIMES I may take it to extremes. I’ve realized long ago the other members of my family do not understand this so I just automatically go into “clean up mode” with no one giving it a second thought especially during vacation times when we are all home together.

Today, however, in the middle of a sink full of dishes, as I looked out the window the realization hit me.  IT IS CHRISTMAS EVE DAY.  I walked into the living room and looked around.  Everywhere from the tree to the decorations, I was surrounded by signs of the season.  Today we celebrate the eve of our Savior’s birth!  It is NOT just an ordinary day after all.

Can you imagine what must have been going through the minds of Joseph and Mary all those years ago knowing that soon they would be giving birth to the Savior of the world? It is almost impossible to think of the responsibility that rested upon their shoulders.  And yet, they took it upon themselves listening to the voice of God and changed the world forever with the birth of their beloved Son!

As I continue to go about my business today getting my house in order, and later tonight with family as we exchange gifts and celebrate this wonderful Holiday, I will do it with a more heartfelt understanding that it is NOT about the gifts we receive or even about being together.  It is about the GREATEST GIFT we could have ever received.  It is about the birth of our Lord and Savior.  It is a time of reflection and thanksgiving , knowing that it was through His birth that we have all been set free from Sin and death as long as we receive the gift He has given.  It is time to celebrate the TRUE gift of Christmas. “For unto us a Child is Born!”