Small Town Messiah

As Christmas approaches , it is interesting to me that many folks turn their thoughts to events in big cities.     We tune in to watch the Macy’s Christmas parade in New York City or folks tune in to watch the “ball drop” in New York City shortly after Christmas on New Years Eve.    Sport fans make plans during the days leading up to Christmas to see their favorite sports team in  person or via television in large cities like Boston, Los Angeles, or Dallas.     Those who like to shop for Christmas gifts in person rather than via internet make plans to fly or drive to large malls in places like Minneapolis, Charlotte, or Houston.  

And to think that we focus on events in these big cities as we prepare to celebrate a bigger event, the birth of Christ Jesus, who was not from a big city but a small town named   Nazareth.    You might say that Jesus was a rural, “small town” person.    Some less kind people might call Jesus a “country bumpkin”.    Though his stepfather, Joseph, was a carpenter,  Joseph’ carpentry skills did not rub off on Jesus as it is said  that Jesus had “no place to lay his head”.     And yet, it is this “small town” One whose birth is remembered hundreds of years after it happened, and it in His Name that people gather, people worship, and people give in this season.       A holy Advent and blessed Christmas to each of you.-  Randy Wall

Prayer:   God, I thank you for the matchless gift of yourself incarnate in Christ Jesus.  Help me to approach His birthday with childlike wonder as did the shepherds and with generous hearts as did the wise men long ago.   Amen.