“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus; for He shall save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

A Different Christmas

Last Christmas I saw a silly/funny cartoon. A little baby is laying in a manger of hay. The baby has a halo around its head. Standing on each side is a donkey and a cow. One says to the other, “Dude, there’s a baby in the salad.”

It’s a bit of Christmas humor—but it also makes a big point. Jesus wasn’t born into a cozy, comfy, color-coordinated nursery. Mary didn’t get to make sweet preparations for the birth of her little baby. A stable to give birth in, and a manger to lay the baby in, weren’t what moms would choose.

The king of the universe, the Son of God was born into the lowliest of low conditions.

I love Christmas—everything about it. I never get tired of any of it. Christmas this year, however, has been very different. No shopping. No decorations. Not one single Christmas carol. Not even a Christmas card. Since Nov. 6, all but a few of my days have been spent in a hospital bed. I know Christmas is coming soon, but I’ve seen no physical evidence of it!

As I was reflecting on this, I realized that nothing has really changed, though. My heart rings with songs of His birth; in my mind’s eye I see the stable “salad,” I see the sky filled with the choirs of angels—but, most of all, my heart SINGS because of His birth! I’m so grateful that Jesus came.

Thank You, Jesus, for coming!

I have a special personal prayer request. On my doctor’s advice because of my lowered immunity, I was in isolation for eight months this year. Last week here at the hospital in the ward I was in, I was exposed to a lady who was positive for COVID. I’ve been isolated and we’re being very careful. Please pray for protection for me!

Lord, You are Emmanuel—God With Us. We know You are with Sally today and every day. Protect her from this virus, and renew her strength and vitality. Revive her with health, and comfort her concerning this temporary life in a fleshly body. Help us all to look steadily to You for all we need—for You have given us Your Son.