Christmas has been called a magical time of year. I guess that’s because of the lights and decorations, the music, the many traditions, the gifts, the food, and that special Christmas spirit that enters the hearts of people and makes the world a better place for a time.
Those things are fun and can certainly be a part of celebrating the season. But Christmas magic is one thing; Christmas miracles are another. Magic isn’t real. Miracles are! The former is the product of human ingenuity. The latter is an act of God.
Think of all the miracles associated with Christmas. There were the many prophecies which foretold of the event in detail hundreds of years in advance. There were the appearances of angels – the one sent to Mary, the one that appeared to Joseph in a dream, the one that announced the birth to the shepherds, and the host of angels that filled the sky with their Christmas song.
There was the mysterious star that guided the wise men. And of course, Christmas is all about the miracle of the virgin birth and the amazing phenomenon of the Incarnation. Emmanuel – God with us.
Of all the wonders of Christmas, I think the most amazing is the love of God that made it all happen. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” (John 3:16). When you stop and think about it, is there any greater marvel than this? That a holy God loved us so much that He initiated all the things associated with Christmas is the greatest miracle of all!
As you enjoy the magical things of Christmas this year, just remember to keep it in perspective. It isn’t about believing in the magic of Christmas, but in the miracles.
Pastor Todd Weston
But instead of believing in the magic of Christmas, I would rather believe in the miracles.