A longing grows within me for those days of simplicity, an era of Christmas past long forgotten. Refreshing is the story of a babe in a manger. No lights, tree, shopping, or crowed malls, only a lonely wooden manger. Only a manger in a stable, with animals in attendance for an audience, the stars in the sky for light, and the angels who sang the majestic announcement; the announcement of the birth of a KING! Where did that story go? Where has that time gone? What has become of us?
Father, we long for those simple times, back to the manger, the birth of our Lord and King. Take me through time to the simple truths and meaning of the birth of the Christ Child. Teach me Your ways and draw me deeper into relationship with You. Quench my longing for the sweetness of Your truths, tenderness of Your ways and the comfort of Your touch. Tell me the story again Father, the simple story, teach me the ways of Your will, and the tenderness of Your heart.
Weary travelers, on their way to Bethlehem to register and pay their taxes, they were all to register in the city of his own. Travelers looking for a place to stop for the night crowed the city; seeking food for their bodies and a place to rest their weary heads after such a long journey. The sky was clear, the night was dark. The rooms, the inns and the homes were filled. The hearts were hard, inn after inn turned the couple away. Not having room, their pockets already bulging with money. Not seeing the need of the wife heavy with child, uncaring to the needs of others. Not unusual, they were just a couple traveling, any ordinary couple to the common eyes of man. This couple was obviously not people of royalty. Not wanting to be treated special or different. Not wanting special attention. But, then one man, one innkeeper, having a heart, feeling some concern for the young mother soon to be. Offered a place, a simple place, though warm and out of the elements. A stable, a simple stable, would set the stage for the birth of the King. Yet to this couple, to these two young people it was a Gift from God. A place to provide warmth and shelter for the young mother in labor, their need was met. They were grateful and content. No warm fire, or bed with fresh linens. There was no pillow to lay their heads or warm meal to fill them. Yet they were content, and grateful for God’s provision. The young woman soon would give birth to this special child, in the stable, in the hay where the animals lay. It is not shared the hours of labor, or the time of birth. The important information of the weight and length were not shared in the story, just the simple information, and she brought forth a son, and he was to be called Jesus.
Simple, clear, and understandable, easy to tell and retell. Simple enough for a child to hear and hold in their hearts. The story is not over; it is just the beginning, the beginning of a new life, the life of our Savior, King, Redeemer, and Comforter. Just the beginning and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Again and again prophecies of old became alive. Simply and full of richness! Never straying from the simple words of our Father God, always as exact as what was foretold. Our Father in Heaven always was and always will be. He is always true and simple in all that He has to share.
This Christmas Season, STOP, take a slow deep breathe and take the time to reread this simple yet beautiful story as shared in the scriptures. Regain the simpler times of the past. My prayer for all this Christmas is that we might all find the simpler times of old. That we might draw closer into fellowship with our Heavenly Father. That He will fill us with the gentleness of His comfort, the sweetness of His Words and Truths. I pray that your relationship with Him become deeper and clearer than you have ever felt before and may we all find the Christ in Christmas in a simple and refreshing way.
May the Lord fill you and your family with a quite, gentle, and sweet newness in your spirit and heart this Holiday Season.
The words to the music you are listening to are belowChristmas Song by Don Francisco
________________________________________The center of the ages
The Lord talks with a girl
And by the words He speaks
He gives a Savior to the world
The time grows to it's fullness
And Mary's Son is born
The Promise His fulfillment
Lies asleep now in her arms
He didn't come to terrify
To judge or condescend
To call us all His servants
But to lift us as His friends
To save us all from satan's power
To reign at his right hand
In the little town of Bethlehem
When God became a man
The Day the God of majesty
Was given to the earth
The gift of such magnificence
We could never plot it's worth
And the rudeness of the setting
Just ignites the jewels fire
A pearl beyond the greatest price
The Joy of Man's desire
The Day the God of majesty
Was given to the earth
A gift of such magnificence
We could never plot it's worth
And the rudeness of the setting
Just ignites the jewels fire
A pearl beyond the greatest price
The Joy of Man's desire
He didn't come to terrify
To judge or condescend
To call us all His servants
But to lift us as His friends
To save us all from certain death
To reign at his right hand
When once for all eternity
God became a man
Don Francisco is on of few who offer their music as a ministry. I encourage you to support his ministry through the albums, they are only $11.00 each. But if you can't afford to purchase his music then you can download them at http://www.rockymountainministries.org/MP3.html in full cd mp3 quality. I've cut this one down because of the size for the web pages.
