Christmas Day Change

This morning we read Luke's narrative of the birth of Christ. I noticed anew the change that took place following the birth. Prior to His birth the scene is dreary as Joseph and Mary are compelled to be away from home at the worst of times, and they are basically excluded and alone sharing space in a barn with the livestock. The scene changes at His birth- glory follows - Angels appear and share the news with Shepherds in the field, "glory to God in the highest..." they sing, shout, and celebrate. News so exciting, so wonderful, so absolutely amazing the shepherds can't help but go and see this event the angels spoke of.

Every time Jesus comes on the scene things change for the better - even at His birth. No doubt He was just a little pile of wrinkled flesh like any other baby, but yet He was "Immanuel" - God with us. His presence had come and the world - the lives of individual people - would forever be changed. Isn't it funny how we tend to fence off the effect of Jesus to the past of long ago, "That was then, but this is now". Can you imagine what life would be like if His presence was welcomed into every meeting, conversation, church, workplace, and home? Yes, we can imagine it if we will - the effect would be no different than the night of His birth. Give it some thought....better yet, give Him a try.