Dear Jesus,
I heard you finally came. You are the promised one. You are the greatest gift ever given. You are the greatest story ever told.
This is how I heard the story told to me.
“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” (Luke 2:1–20, NIV84)
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: ” ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'” Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.” (Matthew 2:1–12, NIV84)
I try to think what it would look like today. Where would you stay in my town? If all the hotels were booked up because of the football game, where could you stay? It gets cold here in the winter. I don’t know if the homeless shelter would have room for you. Where would you eat if you have no money? How would you stay warm? I see the homeless huddled in the doorways with a cup of coffee and I wonder if that would happen to you. Would people walk right by you and pretend not to see your need? Would the people think they are too busy to stop and lend a hand?
I hear your birth was announced with supernatural signs and wonders. Your Father sent a choir of angels but the only people who listened were the shepherds. I hear that there was an amazing star in the heavens. I have to tell you Jesus, that most people don’t believe in signs and wonders anymore. Why if I said a choir of angels appeared to me, they would accuse me of being crazy. There was also that supernatural birth. Jesus, I hate to tell you, but people today demand scientific proof. Maybe it was the same when you came so long ago. Did your Father know people would reject the miraculous? Did your Father know that the shepherds would believe?
I heard the shepherds went all over looking in every manger to find you. I wonder if you came today, would people look for you. I know that on “Black Friday” people will search high and low for the cheapest TVs and computers, but I wonder Jesus if they would search for you? I hear about people who go from store to store searching for gifts, but I wonder if we would search so hard for you?
I heard about the kings who came to give you gifts. They traveled long and far to present you with the best they had. I wonder today about the gifts at Christmas. Jesus we give so many gifts, but I don’t see many with your name on it.
I know what I will do. Jesus you can come and stay at my house this Christmas. My heat is paid and the roof does not leak so you will be warm and dry. I will make sure to prepare a nice soft bed for you too. We have enough to eat, so I am sure you will enjoy some good home cooking.
I know too Jesus that I will be on the lookout for the supernatural signs and wonders that announce your arrival. Would you give me the eyes to see and the ears to hear this Christmas? Help me to see the ministering angels and to listen to the supernatural message.
I know Jesus that I too can search for you like the shepherds. Perhaps the spirit of Jesus, the meaning of Christmas will be found in unusual places. I will look.
Jesus, you are the Messiah and you are God. What can I give to you? What gift can I bring? The best I have is everything. I give you myself. I give you my life. Perhaps this Christmas I can give your love and your promise to others. Perhaps as everyone focuses on video games and football and food, I can take the time to worship you.
Jesus, come stay with me this Christmas.
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