Common Sense Reborn

¹³Suddenly, the Angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of Heaven-praising God and saying,

¹⁴“Glory to God in highest heaven,

and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” (Luke 2:13-14)

Merry Christmas to everyone! Over 2,000 years ago, the host of Heaven’s armies crowded into see the Prince of Peace, born as a beautiful baby boy. Wrapped in strips of linen and surrounded by all the barn animals, Jesus entered this world in the same form we all do: God’s greatest creation, shaped in His own image. Mary finally held the greatest gift given to her. Joseph’s final confirmation that Jesus was the Son of God came bursting in the manger, as the Shepherds came searching for Jesus, and told Mary and Joseph everything the Angel had told them.

Christmas is a magical holiday for most of us, especially for kids. The lore of Santa Claus flying through the night sky to deliver presents. Leaving reindeer treats and milk for their long journey. Mischievous elves terrorizing your homes every night and finding a new shelf to take refuge on each morning. Christmas PJs and family movies. The celebration of the birth of Jesus continues to transform and morph every year.

The most important part of this holiday is not the presents, but the presence we offer to one another. Just as Jesus demonstrated much later in His life at the home of Martha and Mary, when Martha was so busy trying to impress Jesus with her presentation, Mary was the one who truly relates to Jesus by just sitting at His feet and being present. On the night of Jesus’ birth, the entire Angel Army crowded in to be present on that magical night. The shepherds ran to find the Messiah to be present for His entry into our world. God wanted to save humanity by sending His only Son to be present in our world, in flesh and blood, to live like we do, and teach us all how to love.

So on this special day, do not get wrapped up in making an elaborate feast, or by trying to wow your loved ones with fancy gifts. The greatest gift of all is spending one on one time with each other; of laughing and being merry; of warm hugs and gentle kisses. Be present for one another, because our King of Kings had been present for us since the beginning. Today we celebrate His Earthly birth and the miracle in the Manger.

I want to close my countdown of my favorite “The Birth of King” epic, live event with an amazing, powerful ballad from Evvie McKinney. Her vocals on “What Child Is This?” brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. Click the image below and hear for yourself. Merry Christmas to you all!