From the Pulpit: ‘Twas two weeks before Christmas ...’

By: 
Pastor Kirk Strand, Brandon Valley Assembly of God

“ ‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring …” This is how the poem of Clement C. Moore begins. I always chuckle at the thought of “no one stirring”. Usually, our house is frantic with activities, Christmas Eve services, and last-minute to-do lists. But how would this poem have read if it was about the first Christmas over 2,000 years ago?

“ ‘Twas a night, just like every other night…” No one seemed to really notice a young couple, huddled off all by themselves in a stable. The young man, Joseph was doing his best to provide food and shelter for his bride. Mary, even younger than Joseph, was trying to find a comfortable spot to rest.

I have always wondered how much time this whole adventure consumed. We know the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem is about 90 miles, depending on the route they took. A healthy adult could have made the trip in three days, but how long did it take for Joseph and a full-term Mary?

And remember why they had to travel. Joseph went to register in his hometown to pay taxes. Was that a simple process? Or, did it take a few days, perhaps even a week or more, to complete all the paperwork?

The Bible simply says, “While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born.” No stockings were hung, no visions of sugar plums. Nothing but a young couple trying to find their way in a dark and desperate world.

Suddenly, instead of a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer, a great company of angels appeared and began praising God. The sang “Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace to men of goodwill.” 

The poem ends with the line “Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night.”

The Bible account says it like this … “Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you, he is Christ the Lord.”

I pray for you this Christmas, that in the midst of family and gatherings, Jesus Christ will be born in your heart.  And this will make this time a true celebration of great joy that will be for all people.

 

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The Brandon Valley Journal

 

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