It’s that time of year when we enjoy the lights and Christmas decorations neighbors have displayed in their yards. I particularly love any outdoor nativity scene. My deep appreciation for nativity scenes goes back to when I was a child. We lived just blocks from our church, and it was an annual tradition for my dad to walk our family to see the rustic stable with Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus. I remember staring in at that tiny “baby” and wondering what it would have been like to be one of the shepherds on that most holy night. 

Oh, how I would have loved to have been there when the angels announced the birth of the Messiah, the One who was promised to come! However, my time on this earth was not meant to begin until the late 1950s. But why should my mission be any different than the shepherds of long ago? I should also feel as in Luke 2:17 where we read: “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.” Amen and hallelujah! 

In these last days before Christmas, my prayer for you is that you take time to peer closely at that baby and then “spread the word” with family, friends, coworkers, and anyone at your holiday gatherings or events. Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled! The Prince of peace was born for you and for me and for all people!