December 28. The end of Christmas and the end of the year, but not the end of the story.
Jesus came to earth just as the prophets said, born of a virgin in the town of Bethlehem. This month we’ve read, studied, and listened to insights about every aspect of Jesus’ birth. The Christmas narrative concludes with a simple statement from Luke (chapter 2, verse 40): Jesus “grew in wisdom and stature.”
The Son of God grew and, at thirty, Jesus began His public ministry and showed us the heart of God.
He taught with unprecedented wisdom and understanding. He ministered to the afflicted, healing with power and compassion. Then He died in our place and victoriously rose again. When Jesus ascended to Heaven He left the disciples, and us, with a promise spoken by angels:
“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky?
This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven,
will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
Acts 1:11
Christmas is a time of great joy, greater and deeper for those who know the real reason for the season. But our greatest joy is yet to come. Jesus is returning! Rather than announcing His birth to shepherds on a hillside, the angels will accompany Him in all His glory to bring us home.
Our true “Merry Christmas” awaits us.
Image by Jeff Jacobs from Pixabay
BARBARA HIGBY 