analysis: It’s Christmas Eve! May We Enjoy The Reverence Of The Season

It’s Christmas Eve – what do you see in the image above?

Notes:

• Nativity scene:

  Far, Far Away on Judea’s Plains – a stable where the Christ child was born and laid in a trough (a long, narrow open container for animals to eat or drink out of) functioning as a crib. That is what Christmas is all about – a stable with mother Mary, father Joseph and the Christ child surrounded by stable animals – the perfect fitting for the King of Kings:

• view short video: The Birth of Jesus

• And then there is the star:

  guiding the wise men from the east who seek the Christ child to present Him with the precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh We don’t know where the wise men came from or their number. It has been assumed to be three since three gifts were presented:

• view short video: how to understand the three wise men
• view documentary: the star of Bethlehem

• What is frankincense and myrrh:

  we know what gold is, but what about frankincense and myrrh? These aromatic resins are valued commodities that were part of middle Eastern trade routes. Frankincense and myrrh were desired for personal, religious and medicinal purposes:

• more information: gold, frankincense and myrrh: gifts of the wise men

• O little town of Bethlehem:

  that overlooks the nativity event from a hill nearby. Bethlehem was an insignificant village just a short distance from Jerusalem. However, it did have its favorite son – Bethlehem was the birthplace of King David.

• Now it becomes the birthplace of another King – but at this time, the village was bustling with people from afar who have come to Bethlehem because of the tax. That is why Mary and Joseph find themselves in a stable, because there was no room for them in the Inn:
• view where: birthplace of Christ & Church of the Nativity

• No sign of the shepherds:

  not in this image – however, the shepherds play a big part in the Christmas story. According to the Gospel of Luke, Chapter Two, there were shepherds tending their flocks at night. Suddenly and angel appeared and said unto them,

• “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
• Following this announcement, the shepherds hurried off to Bethlehem and found Mary, Joseph and the Baby Jesus lying in the manger. They paid reverence, and then went forth to spread the word.
• see the story: The Shepherd – A story of the first Christmas

Final comment:

May this season open your hearts to those who need a helping hand. Give the gift of yourself by feeding the poor, clothing the naked, visiting the sick … by ministering unto those who need a friendly smile and hand.

comment or two about your Christmas traditions.