Merry Christmas

Many of you know that this has been a year of much joy and celebration in our family over the birth of our first grandchild. That has been our big blessing this year and it continues to be. Babies are such a delight, and of course most of the last twelve months have been filled with first the anticipation of, and then the arrival of, this precious gift from our heavenly Father.

But what words can I find to express my thankfulness for the best gift of all, which was given so many years ago? The baby that came then came into circumstances which were much humbler than that of our granddaughter and of most other babies born in this country. During these days of holiday excitement and much spending, let’s reflect on that child who came. Let’s remember who He was, God in the flesh. Let’s think about the lowly manger and the stable and His willingness to become a helpless little human being. Let’s not forget that He was a King and was altogether holy, but yet came to us in the very way that He did and for the very purpose that He did. Every day, let’s try to never lose sight of the fact that this little infant grew up and accomplished what He did with His life and in His death. Then, all of you who know Him, rejoice and celebrate with me!

Best wishes for the season to all!!!

Once in royal David’s city
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her Baby
In a manger for his bed:
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little Child.

He came down to earth from heaven
Who is God and Lord of all,
And his shelter was a stable,
And his cradle was a stall:
With the poor, and mean, and lowly,
Lived on earth our Saviour Holy.

~Cecil Frances Alexander, 1848