A Child is Born 

   “She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2: 7) 

   When I reflect on the birth of Christ there are so many things that come to mind.  First and foremost is that the Son of God deigned to become man, born of woman.  He willingly gave up His glory for a time to offer us salvation.

   I consider the infant Jesus born in a stable and placed in a manger, a feeding trough for animals.  I believe this was to be a foreshadowing that He would give to us His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity in the Eucharist; the bread of life.

   Magi, wise men from the orient, came to worship the new-born King of the Jews, to offer Him homage and gifts.  This too is an indication of things to come.  Jesus came not just to the Israelites, but the whole world.  His truth would spread to the ends of the earth.  Salvation for all mankind.

   Shepherds who were tending their flock in the area came to see the infant Jesus, the one who would save the world.  Angels had appeared to them saying, “For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.” (Luke 2: 11).  Jesus came not only to kings, shepherds, the rich and the poor, but to you and me as well.

   As we decorate our homes and plan our holiday festivities let’s keep in mind the real reason to celebrate Christmas.  It's not to get great deals on “Black Friday” or have outrageous parties and feasts.  It's not to put ourselves in debt to buy gifts we can’t afford because that is what is expected.  It is to welcome the birth of the new-born King and to make of ourselves a gift to Him.