What Child is This?

I love the message of Christmas. This past Sunday, our church included a Christmas card with a baby on the cover in our bulletin along with the invitation to pass it along. I was so moved by the included message that I am compelled to share it here.

This is an ornament I made for our tree this year. The stamp set is from Our Daily Bread Designs.

I hope you will read the entirety of the message.

Thank you and may you be blessed!

"Births are commonplace. They happen everyday, in nearly every community, in every corner of the world. For every one of those births, the mystery and wonder of life is celebrated by parents, extended family, and friends as they all gather to behold the baby. Yet one birth in human history surpasses the wonder and mystery of all others. Because in that birth, the God of the universe took on human flesh to dwell among us. That is what the terms 'advent' and 'incarnation' are all about: the Eternal One breaking into time; the King leaving a throne in heaven to take up a manger on earth, the Creator entering into creation. This is how, some two thousand years ago, God Himself invaded human history.

The mystery of His coming is only surpassed by the mystery of His mission: to restore hurting, hardened, and lost hearts back to His love. This is a mystery that beckons exploration, an exploration into the deepest longings and thirsts of the soul. Jesus captured the compelling nature of His mission when He said, 'Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."

Maybe you've heard this Christmas 'story' many times, but what if these events really are true? What would be your response? You can read about this mystery by those who were eyewitnesses of it, such as the apostle John and his gospel account in the new testament of the Bible. This Christmas, may you come and behold this mystery for yourself, and see if it is not the most meaningful discovery you will ever make."