The Doulos, December 2001 - The Chapel in North Canton

From the December 2001 edition of The Doulos monthly newsletter

A Season of Wonder

By Pastor Bennett

At this time of year, my heart is always filled with wonder as I contemplate anew the birth of a Savior 2,000 years ago.

Luke 2 tells the story of the birth of Jesus in such a clear, simple manner and yet imagine all that took place on that first Christmas. It all begins with the fulfillment of the prophecy found in Micah 5:2 that the Savior would be born in Bethlehem.

Joseph and Mary were dwelling in Nazareth as the time drew near for Mary to give birth to their first-born child. So God moved the heart of Caesar to issue a decree that a census would be taken throughout the Roman world. The census required that Roman citizens simply go to their place of residence to register for the census while non-Roman citizens, like Joseph and Mary, were required to return to the city of their ancestry, Bethlehem, to register. Coincidence? No. It's the wonder of God, who would move millions of people to fulfill the prophecy concerning the birthplace of the Savior.

Next is the wonder of the birth of Jesus. Imagine, a virgin giving birth. It is beyond our comprehension. Imagine further, if you can, God taking upon Himself the form of a man. Leaving the Throne Room of Heaven with all of its majesty, to be born in a rustic, smelly stable. And all of it done for us. Such wonder!

Finally, there is the wonder of the angels' announcement to the shepherds that the Savior had been born. It was dark and cold that night as the shepherds were keeping watch over their flocks. Suddenly a great light - the shekinah glory, the light symbolizing the presence of God - shone about the shepherds and they were afraid. Afraid because they knew they were in the presence of God. But the angel told them they did not need to be afraid (Luke 2:10) for the angels brought the good news of the Savior being born.

Imagine what that had to mean to these shepherds that Christ, their Messiah, was born. Now, the long-awaited one was born. Now, there was hope. Now, mankind could find forgiveness of his sins. Now - God walked among men. How the hearts of the shepherds must have been filled with wonder on that first Christmas.

You know, it is so easy for Christmas to lose its wonder for us living 2,000 years later. Sometimes the Christmas season just becomes a routine that we go through every year at this time. Sometimes we become so busy, so preoccupied, so consumed by the busy-ness of the activities and demands of the holiday that Christmas loses its wonder. How do you regain that sense of wonder? Allow me to provide several suggestions:

Prepare a simple Advent wreath and gather together to read the Scripture devotions printed each week in the church bulletins. It will help you focus upon the birth of Jesus throughout the month of December.
Re-read Luke 2:1-20 and just meditate upon what that night must have been like for the shepherds, the angels, and Mary and Joseph.
Try to keep your focus this year on your relationship with God, and not upon gifts and other "busy-ness".
Share with someone this holiday season the wonderful message about the birth of a Savior. Watch what that does to renew the wonder of Christmas in your heart. It will redirect our focus back to what this holiday season is all about.
Finally, spend some time this Christmas season praising God for the birth of Jesus, just as the shepherds did 2,000 years ago (Luke 2:20).