We all know that this holiday has gotten wrapped up (no pun intended) in gift giving, shopping, CDs you only get out once a year and watching “Christmas Vacation” on DVD. And I don’t necessarily think any of those things are bad.

But at the heart of all of this is a remembrance, not just of a baby in a manger, but the advent of the very LOGOS of God to our fallen world. Wrapped in bone and sinew and skin and given the humblest of origins, this is a key moment in this grand story the Father has been weaving since the beginning. God humbles himself to become man and dwell among us, just as He would later humble himself to die for us, the greatest outpouring of love the world will ever see. And all the time, knowing that we would be willful sinners and enemies of God.

Sometimes when I think of the Christmas story that way, I’m not sure that it’s the red and green, caroling, feasting time I’ve come to know. It’s strange and mysterious and even a bit spooky. And at the same time it’s altogether wonderful.

Praises immeasurable unto the Lord Most High, who loved us with a perfect and everlasting love. Nothing we can do could make Him love us less. And nothing we can do will make Him love us more. Hallelujah to the one who is all-sufficient, all-knowing, all-powerful, just and merciful, holy and gracious. And Hallelujah to the one who is preparing a place for us and will return to restore His creation and take us with Him, that we may be where He is also.

 Merry Christmas and have a blessed 2008.