I went to SAMS today, and the noise of the hustling and bustling shoppers was almost deafening.  People were elbowing their way to the front of the samples booth where tasty strips of ham were being distributed and bite-size pieces of cheesecake were dished-out.

Most everyone in the store, including me, was on a mission.  Last minute purchases to fill a Christmas wish were the orders of the day for many.  For me, it was to get one of the taste-bud-tickling hams that were spiral cut and honey baked.  Yum!

The significance of these seasonal affairs will be lost, if the shopper’s sole focus is on the lastest fashion import instead of the heavenly export.  The prophet Isaiah spoke of this hundreds of years before the Messiah was ever born:  For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given . . .  This prophecy foretold that day when the Infinite would become an infant. 

The apostle John could look back at the birth of Jesus with a God-inspired historical perspective and say, the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us . . .

After the gifts have all been opened, the Christmas music packed away, and the visiting family members have returned home, what remains?  It is the hope of Christmas that remains.  The knowledge that God has lived among us will encourage us in our darkest hours and strengthen us in our weakest moments.

Merry Christmas!