TIMING is Everything

I know we have all said it and heard it to the point of being annoyed to hear it anymore but, no matter what response it may stimulate in us, there is something important in the question: "Can you believe it's Christmas again?" The cold weather in our part of the world has made it "FEEL" a little more like Christmas (whatever that means). While a percentage of our population scurries about trying to find that perfect gift or check another person off their shopping list, some of us are still trying to get some decorations out at home. (Yea, that's us) There is plenty of "Christmas Spirit" in our home but just not a lot of "seasonal" displays. Our lives continue to be filled with daily schedules that pretty much require all of our physical and mental energy. So, evenings are spent resting instead of feverishly decorating, baking, shopping, etc.

I think there is more going on than just another Holiday Season that promises fun for many; family gatherings; some who will worship the Christ-Child; etc. Then everything climaxes on December 25th followed by a crash on the 26th. One of the many lessons we can draw from the Christmas story that has gained much of my "thought" time this year is how God sent His Son into the world AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME! When we stop to consider the "TIMING" of Jesus' Advent -- in light of our modern, technologically enlightened world -- it is a mystery why God would choose a time period when things were so difficult and mass communication was very limited. Yet, even without all the "wonders" of our advanced society, God managed to spread the word throughout the world that His SALVATION had come to the world. He accomplished everything that needed to be done in such a way that no other explanation could be given than this: "GOD HIMSELF CAME TO HIS WORLD AS A HUMAN BEING." No one can take credit for the fact that we are still worshiping and marveling over His Advent Story hundreds of years later. It is so unsophisticated and far removed from our modern realities, but still amazes those who pause to gaze into the wonder and majesty of how it happened.

This season also signifies the end of yet another year and the beginning of a new one. I think it is pretty cool how God's "TIMING" is seen in this arrangement. The Christmas Season, no matter how you view it or celebrate it, allows us some time to break from hectic routines, enjoy family and friends, reflect on the year we are leaving behind and look ahead to the prospects of a New Year. I encourage you to STOP and consider the manner in which God chose to enter His world. Maybe He has something incredible to show us but He is waiting for us to stop long enough to listen. I can assure you that God is not impressed by our latest and greatest technological discoveries! He is the author of ETERNAL JOY, not temporary fascinations. The angels spoke to some shepherds and gave a message that is for every month of the year, not just the end of December: "JOY TO THE WORLD, THE LORD HAS COME!"