Away In A Manger

This week has been the start of the "Christmas" celebration. Stores are full of everything you could possibly want in the line of decorations, snow men, santas, stars, candles, candy canes, mistletoe, etc. When you walk into my store, the first thing you see is a huge, beautifully decorated Christmas tree all lit up. The only thing missing are the presents under the tree. On Sunday morning a lady went to the front of our church and shared how she had just had her eyes opened wide to the fact that there are people in our world who have no idea on the "real reason" we celebrate at this time of year. She shared how she had gone into a store and asked where their "nativity" sets were. And the young store associate looked at her and asked "nativity"? He had no idea what she was talking about. A nativity set up is definately not the first thing you will see in our stores today, nor able to find that easy. On the spot, she began sharing with the young associate about the "real reason" we celebrate. That little baby in the manger how many years ago, is the reason we celebrate. The baby born in a manger, because there was no room in the Inn. That baby is our hope. He came to earth for us. I was challanged Sunday morning to "take that opportunity", as I am able to , to share the "good news" of the birth of baby Jesus.