Socially Speaking: Celebrating the birth of Jesus on Christmas
By Frances Gonzalez Boyd
An old fashioned Christmas comes to life in the little town of Bethlehem as the celebration begins. We celebrate the day that the baby Jesus was born in a manager.
“It came upon the midnight clear, the glorious song of old.”
By Frances Boyd/
HSU Alumna
It is time for all of us to be like “Jolly good ole St. Nick,” who drives his sleigh and reindeer on Christmas Eve and parks it right next to each chimney.
Let us pretend that each of us individually reserved a ride with Santa Claus to help him deliver all the toys on his sleigh with his reindeer and Rudolph being ahead with his red glowing nose to lead us.
As we ride during the night, we get to see a shiny starry night. Going down the chimney could be fun landing right after Santa. The milk and cookies are waiting for Santa to share with us could eat them while putting the gifts under the tree.
The main reason for the season is Jesus. During this time of the year, it is a time to be joyful and be Christlike. Having his character and compassionate personality is what we all should have all the time and especially during Christmas. Jesus was born for us to give us a second chance through salvation.
Being kind to others all the time shows how much you respect you have for others and if you do not love others, you cannot love Jesus. We sing Christmas songs and express our love through worship demonstrably.
“Let your body express what your heart is feeling and let your heart be awakened by your body. May the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.” (Psalms 141:2)
“Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name, I will lift my hands. (Psalms 63:3-4).
Because of Bethlehem, Love is born. Hope is here. (Max Lucado)
“Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above the deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by, yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light.”
“Because of Bethlehem, I have a Savior in Heaven. The child in the cradle became the King on the cross, and because he did, there are no marks on my record. Just grace. (Because of Bethlehem, Max Lucado)
Everything about Christmas is fun; Christmas parties and events, baking and cooking, snow skiing, for country folks, cutting down their own Christmas trees can be as equally exciting as decorating it.
“Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, I love your spreading branches.”
The tree can’t be too tall or too short. It needs to fit the room and the budget. It must be full yet nor dense, mature, but not dry. A noble fit for some. A Douglas fir or Virginia pine for others. The preferences are different, but the desire is the same. We want the perfect Christmas tree. And oh, the special moment when we find it. When we lash it to the car. Drag it into the house and set it in the tree stand. (Because of Bethlehem, Max Lucado)
Many churches offer midnight services to celebrate on Christmas eve when the baby Jesus was born. This service is longer because some church congregations play out the procession of Joseph and Mary, the three kings, and the baby Jesus. The scriptures used for both Eve and Christmas day services are from a selection of the Psalms, the Prophets, the Epistles, and the Gospels.
“The One who went low is now made high. The One who descended is now exalted. Jesus is promoted to the “highest place.” No angel is higher. No political office is higher. Jesus outranks every ruler and conqueror.” (Because of Bethlehem, Max Lucado)
“Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.”
At home, the shiny colorful decorated Christmas trees wait for families to come back from church services. They enjoy having a cup of cocoa and cookies and other snacks. Many parents allow their children to open one present.
Photo albums are also out in many homes so that families can enjoy looking at the memories of Christmas past. Christmas caroling is also a lot of fun during this time. The fireplace is on awaiting Santa Claus, with his milk and cookies.
Time for Dad and Mom and all the children to retire so they can wake up excited to see if Santa Claus had left their gifts and eaten his milk and cookies.
Have a Joyful and Very Merry Christmas, Love Frances
