Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is Born
Merry Christmas everyone! Today is a very special day to rejoice that Jesus was born. One of the things we learned as a family in Advent is that no one really knows the exact date of Jesus's birthday. Many speculate that it was actually during the spring since shepherds wouldn't be out in a field watching sheep during the winter. But what really matters is that Jesus was born.
The "what ifs" can consume a person and make their lives confusing and/or depressing. But sometimes a few what ifs can help someone really be grateful. For instance, as a group we read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (and watched it too), and we got to think about what if King Herod had managed to kill the baby Jesus? What if the angels had went to someone besides the shepherds? No Jesus, and no news. It's a rather scary thought.
That night, some shepherds were in the fields nearby watching their sheep. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them. The glory of the Lord was shining around them, and they became very frightened. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I am bringing you good news that will be a great joy to all the people. Today your Savior was born in the town of David. He is Christ, the Lord. This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.” Then a very large group of angels from heaven joined the first angel, praising God and saying: “Give glory to God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace among the people who please God.” When the angels left them and went back to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem. Let’s see this thing that has happened which the Lord has told us about.” So the shepherds went quickly and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, who was lying in a feeding trough. When they had seen him, they told what the angels had said about this child. Everyone was amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured these things and continued to think about them. Then the shepherds went back to their sheep, praising God and thanking him for everything they had seen and heard. It had been just as the angel had told them. - Luke 2: 8-20
This morning I learned news of a dear new friend's son's passing. He was only 7 years old and had battled the same cancer my brother battled. This morning as I hugged my brother some of those "what ifs" snuck into my thoughts. What if God had chose my brother to come home? What if Jonny Wade had lived to beat cancer? What if the legislation finally started using money for more important things that laws about guns and killing and give it to the children fighting for their lives in a hospital? I know I shouldn't be thinking of these things on Christmas day. But Kimberly shouldn't be listening to crying and sadness of her son's passing, she should hear her sons laughter and excitement of opening gifts.
Jonny had faith that many of us wish we had, myself included. He believed in Jesus and His birth day. Jonny didn't want other kids to have cancer-- neither do I --and he was already getting this story spread to our government. I admire Jonny for his bravery. He was brave, no matter what anyone says. He may not have had a choice in taking medicine since he was doing it for his life, but he was still brave to face it head on with the Lord.
I watched my children open their presents and yet my heart ached for Kimberly. The little shark ornament will always remind me each Christmas season that I need to have a strong faith. I need to believe like Jonny. Like many have said Jonny was called to heaven to celebrate Jesus's birthday party! What a party that must be. Mewmaw is up there, and several others I have lost this year. What an amazing party!
So hold your little ones near, make a birthday cake for Jesus, and praise the Lord that He sent us His son to us!
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