Two thousand years ago
in the small town of Bethlehem
one silent night
loudly proclaimed God’s love for the entire world.
For our all-powerful God came to earth
in the form of a helpless child,
and though many people had waited for his coming
few actually noticed this baby’s arrival,
so much so
that there was no room for him that night
in the world which he had made.
But still he came.
He who was divine became human.
He traded in his heavenly seat
for an earthly manger.
He exchanged robes of splendor
for swaddling clothes.
He left the songs of a multitude of angels
for the praises of a few humble shepherds.
That night
though Jesus left his throne
he became our king:
a king who came not to be served but to serve,
a king whose death would bring us life,
a king whose single sacrifice would serve as the ransom for us all.
So, it’s the paradox of Christmas
that calls you to respond.
Though there are presents still waiting for you to receive
this night is truly about the gift that you have already been given.
With Open Doors 
Thank you and may the blessing of tradition shine brightly in your heart throughtout the year.