For Unto Us a Child Is Born Намуна

FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN, TO US A SON IS GIVEN

Do you hate being stuck in traffic? I certainly do, but I make the best of it by listening to Christian music and reading the bumper stickers on the cars in front of me. I recently saw one that said, "Keep Christ in Christmas."  Christmas is a time to focus on Christ's birth and reflect upon the significance thereof. It's a time for celebrating the undoubtedly most significant birth on earth! Jesus's birth is the ultimate gift given to us by the God of all creation himself, who loves us deeply. God showed his love for us by sending his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him and receive, as believers, the gift of salvation and eternal life.

Born to the Virgin Mary in a manger in Bethlehem, this tiny babe would be called Immanuel, meaning, "God with us." He is our ever-present Savior, Messiah, and King.  Jesus was born unto us, the lost and broken, the spiritually bankrupt, the sinners in need of redemption and salvation.  He came to fulfill His Father's will, which He did by taking our sins upon Himself on the cross to redeem us and give us eternal life. 

Christmas will undoubtedly be different this year. Especially now, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the world needs Christ more than ever. Christ comforts you as you kiss your loved one through the nursing room or hospital window. He strengthens you when you have to say that final good-bye and gives you peace.  He is with you in your empty home that's usually bursting with the laughter of family and friends assembling for the holidays. Remember that bumper sticker this Christmas, and keep your eyes on Christ. Buying presents isn't essential. The best Christmas gift you can give is to tell others about Christ. I pray that God will put that on your heart this Christmas so that as Christ blesses you, you can bless others. Will you do that? For unto us, a child is born; to us, a son is given.   

Willy Wiedmann's illustration shows the Annunciation by the Lord's angel to Mary, as well as Joseph and Mary's arrival in Bethlehem.