For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child Himself.

– Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

The Christmas season always reminds me that no matter how commonplace greed, selfishness and consumerism have become, humanity still seems to grasp at something unbelievable to believe in. Maybe without realizing it, secular, popular culture has indeed held on to the truth that at Christmastime, we should hope like children. We are encouraged to believe in Santa and magic and miracles and celebrate the season with holiday cheer. But even amidst all of the enchanting Christmas legends, movies and books that inspire this wonder, there is still one story greater and more wonderful than them all.

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

It is the story of an ancient promise and heaven dancing. When shepherds abiding in the field heard of the baby wrapped in swaddling cloths lying in a manger. The story of a small countryside town, a virgin birth and a guiding star, of treasures and gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. A silent and holy night, when God humbled himself to the likeness of an infant and angels rejoiced in the glory of the Lord.

Immanuel, God with us. The Word became flesh, the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. He left his heavenly throne to be with us because he loved us enough. How cherished are we that Immanuel does not mean “us with God,” it means “God with us”?

I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach!

– Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Merry Christmas to all!