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By Myrtle Virginia Thompson

It’s Christmas! My age doesn’t preclude a need for a backward glance at the excitement of childhood Christmases. There were not many toys, but some great memories. I need those and often recall “resurrecting” the joy of them.

This year is different. Days and months have been filled with events I want to toss from my memory bank. Before January 2021, I want my Christmas celebration filled with memories of blessings. In spite of the regulations put upon us, the Creator God has remembered us in our need.

Just a year ago we were looking ahead, planning for promising experiences, good things. Instead, we got a year incomprehensible to our imagination. Our “normal” was turned upside down, dumped out like trash. “Let it be gone!” has been our hope but “King Covid” is still in power. I want this Christmas to be more special, as I remember again why Jesus was born. It was He Who said “I am come that they (people) might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10, Psalm 72).

In spite of rigid regulations, I can’t be the only one refusing to let Covid darken or take away the star of Bethlehem, a picture of Jesus, the light of the world. Neighborhoods and stores are filled with gift items and ablaze with lit-up Christmas trees. Gift cards are in abundance. The Post Office is busy with mail. There is still love and hope for a good Christmas.

Jesus hasn’t been in the manger for over two millennia, not since Joseph and Mary left after being registered for the census, their reason for going to Bethlehem. The manger was temporary, likely a bed of straw for added warmth. Luke says the wise men found Jesus in a house. I doubt the innkeeper ever knew his stable had housed the King of Glory who had left Heaven as royalty, coming to earth to identify with sinful man. Even the finest of houses are stables in comparison to those in the realms of Heaven.

If you missed that part of the story, read the first and second chapters of Luke and Matthew. Over 700 years earlier, Isaiah had told the people to be on the lookout for a baby, Immanuel, “God with us” who would be “Wonderful, Counselor, mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” He is the Creator God, His life foretold by the prophets. Mary accepted her assignment, John the Baptist introduced Him and John the Apostle called Him “The Word made flesh.” From the beginning of creation the “babe in the manger” was given to be our Redeemer, Savior and Lord. He fulfilled that responsibility. He is the only One able to identify with every human need. He is going to return to earth. At that time, His government will be established without end.

May Jesus, the part of God called the Son Who came in human flesh make real for us the Christ of Christmas and bless us with peace as we remember why He came.

Myrtle Thompson, 92, is a retired missionary, educator, Bible teacher and writer. Contact her at mvtgrt@gmail.com.