Rankin124web

TheTime COIN
Camille Anding
When Joseph, Mary and the Babe left the stable of Bethlehem that first Christmas,
I imagine it as being a picture of simplicity.
Their temporary dwelling had been a stable, so there had been no cleaning, dusting or polishing.
There was no Christmas tree or decorations to pack, and the only brilliant star had faded with
the sunrise. There were no plans to store boxes, make gift exchanges or return broken items.
After their guests had left, there was no gathering of articles of clothing or gifts that had been
left behind. Their guests had been lowly shepherds bringing nothing but their rods and staffs.
Nor had there been any sad farewells. Those that had witnessed this first Christmas weren’t
concerned about the New Year’s economy, inflation, interest rates, or unemployment.
Why should they be? They had just witnessed and worshiped the answer to every problem
that would ever face mankind. They left with the promise of victory in their hearts, and this
overshadowed any gloom or doubt about the coming year.
Our celebration doesn’t carry much resemblance to that first Christmas.
The present day has brought us to an era where only our imaginations
can relieve that first miraculous event as it is told in the Bible.
Yet, the story in Luke remains the same. Time hasn’t changed or reconstructed
the story of Christ’s birth. The love we share with family and friends is a
continuation of that first love that God sent through His Son.
January is a time to pack Christmas ’23 away- all the decorations and lights
and find a space for the gifts. There’s always a trace of sadness as I dismantle
the tree and return Christmas storage boxes to the attic. This year I’ve asked
God to give me the joy that the shepherds had as they left the newborn
Messiah. Like them, I want to experience peace, love, and joy in anticipation
of the coming year. May God grant each of us the faith to live this year in
the overcoming victory in Jesus that has never changed and never will.
106 • JANUARY 2024