You see it everywhere. The celebration of Christmas is in the air. No matter what store you go into, the decorations of Christmas are seen very vividly. You see Christmas decorations in restaurants, in discount stores, in fact, there is almost not any store you go into that does not have at least some display that Christmas is coming.
As you get into that Christmas spirit, your life beats a few beats faster, the joy in your life is at a higher level, and your overall outlook on life takes new meaning. Luther, who often told a story in order to make a point, stressed the impact of God taking flesh when he described a preacher reading from the first chapter of John’s gospel. When he came to the words, “In the beginning was the Word,” the Devil stood motionless. But when he read, “and the Word became flesh,” the Devil immediately fled. This is more than just a short story. It is fact. Whenever Jesus Christ enters the picture, the Devil cannot flee fast enough.
Joseph took Mary to be his wife. Mary becomes pregnant by the Holy Spirit. An angel comes to Joseph and tells him not to worry about Mary being pregnant, because she is pregnant by God, Himself. The outcome of this encounter is seen in Matthew 1:25, “and kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son, and He called His name Jesus.” This birth was God in the flesh.
Christmas is the celebration of Jesus being born, and God in the flesh arriving on earth. What a joyous time for Christians! So, yes, Christmas is coming! At this beginning of December now at hand, get joyous and spread a little glee around to those you meet. Let those around you see Christ in you more, right now, and until Christmas Day arrives, more so than at any other time of your life. Christmas is coming!
