Merry Christmas!!

Christmas is a favorite time for a great many people around the world.  It is one of my family's favorites.

I know that is not necessarily true for many of my students, and some of my acquaintances.

Sometimes home is not an appealing place for some of my students.

Sometimes memories of Christmases past are not so pleasant.

Sometimes Christmas expectations are impossible to meet.

It may be a tough holiday for you, but keep in mind, this holiday is NOT really about:

• home
• family
• gifts
• Santa Claus
• food
• trees, lights, holly and mistletoe
• caroling
• or even chestnuts roasting on an open fire (though I am a big fan of chestnuts).

Nope, Christmas is about...

• The strange, unlikely, illogical arrival of G^d on this earth in the unlikely form of a helpless babe in a humble manger, in a humble village, to a humble family.
• The birth of the Savior of the world.
• The highest point in G^d's redemptive plan to redeem mankind from our sin, as well as that of our fathers, and forefathers.
• The joy we ought to have at the good news of G^d's extending His grace to us.
• The tremendous comfort we CAN experience as we comprehend the Riches Christ has gained for us.

Joy to the world, the L^rd is come... indeed.