Mystery of Christmas

“…that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2: 1,2

What is Christmas? Just saying the word Christmas can awaken images, memories, and emotions.

When you think of Christmas, what do you see…a mountain lodge nestled into snow covered mountains; a crackling fireplace topped with elaborate garland and age-old stockings carefully hung each year? Maybe you envision the quintessential Victorian Christmas; horse-drawn sleighs filled with family and friends, wrapped in blankets going “over the river and through the woods”, laughing and singing. It could be the hustle and bustle of malls and department stores, as determined shoppers hunt for that perfect gift for someone they love.

Houses strung with Christmas lights. Long cherished ornaments, lovingly hung from Christmas tree branches, displayed in front windows for all to see. Beautifully wrapped packages, children running to the Christmas tree way too early on Christmas morning to see what Santa has brought them. Sweets and treats only made at Christmastime. A scent that takes us to deeply held places.

These are some of the things that come to mind when we think of Christmas, the memories and traditions that are the heritage of our celebration of Christmas. But, are they Christmas?

Imagine a very different Christmas night many years ago. A young couple traveling to Bethlehem to fulfill a requirement to be counted in a government ordered census. The young woman is pregnant, ready to give birth any time. Bethlehem is filled with people and the husband can find no place available for he and his wife to stay for the night. As frustration and desperation fills him, he is offered a stable where they can at least take shelter.

During the night, the time comes for the precious baby to be born. This is not just any baby, but God’s own son. There, in that lowly stable, the very Savior of the world is born.

There was great celebration that first Christmas night! Angels, abounding with joy at the miracle happening before the world, appear to shepherds in their fields. They proclaim, “unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord”. Overwhelmed, the shepherds go that night to the stable to see for themselves this baby king.

On that first Christmas night so long ago, God himself stepped into our world and became the greatest gift of all. He became Savior. He became Lord. He became Christmas.

While Christmastime may come each year wrapped in wonderful family traditions, while we may continue to sing “Jingle Bells” and “Silver Bells”, Christmas will always be that “Silent Night, Holy Night” when God quietly and humbly came to forever be our hope.

Author: Janet Campbell

Follower of Christ, mother, wife, and writer of mysteries. Wrapped around the paw of a 5 lb Pomeranian named Little Ali Sunshine. View all posts by Janet Campbell