I can’t believe it is already Christmas Day! Time has gone by so fast! I hope that we all remember the true meaning of Christmas this year and be truly thankful for it, not only on Christmas Day, but throughout the new year also. Jesus’ birth is something that is sadly taken granted a lot by everyone including me.

We decided to do Advent this year, and it has really helped me to be focused, and thoughtful on Jesus’ birth even through all the presents, Santa Clause, and modern-day Christmas traditions. I really encourage you to start Advent next year { put it in your calendar} with your family. Every night we read a bible verse, and a little story, and light special candles. Blowing them out is my little brother and sister’s favorite part!

I know you probably have plans for Christmas with your family and friends, but please take your time to read this short story with your family this morning. Here is a little story from our Advent devotional that I wanted to share….

A few years ago a striking Christmas card was published, with the title, ” If Christ had not come.” It was founded upon our Savior’s words, “If I had not come.” The card represented a clergyman falling into a short sleep in his study on Christmas morning and dreaming of a world into which Jesus had never come.

In his dream, he found himself looking through his home, but there were no little stockings in the chimney corner, no Christmas bells or wreaths of holly, and no Christ to comfort, gladden, and save. He walked out on the public street, but there was no church with its spire pointed to heaven. He came back and sat down in his library, but every book about the Savior had disappeared.

A ring at the doorbell, and a messenger asked him to visit a poor dying mother. He hastened with the weeping child and as he reached the home, he sat down and said, “I have something that will comfort you.” He opened his Bible to look for a familiar promise, but it ended at Malachi, and there was no gospel and no promise of hope and salvation, and he could only bow his head and weep with her in bitter despair.

Two days afterward he stood beside her coffin and conducted the funeral service, but there were no word of a glorious resurrection, no open heaven but only “dust to dust, ashes to ashes,” and one long eternal farewell. He realized at length that “He had not come” and burst into tears and bitter weeping in his sorrowful dream.

Suddenly he woke with a start, and a great shout of joy and praise burst from his lips as he heard his choir singing in his church close by.

                           O come, all ye faithful, joyful, and triumphant,

                               O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;

                             Come and behold Him, born the King of Angels,

                               O come let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord.

Let us be glad and rejoice today, because “He has come.” And let us remember the annunciation of the angel, “Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all the people, for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11)

He comes to make His blessing flow, Far as the curse is found.

May our hearts got out to the people in the heathen lands who have no blessed Christmas Day.

Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared” (Nehemiah 8:10)

Steams in the Desert

I hope that this story touches your hearts like it did mine, and you share it with your families. Merry Christmas!