No Snow in Bethlehem

Yesterday was a rather ridiculous day here in western North Dakota. The temperature reached an unnatural 51 degrees. The beautiful layer of snow we received on Thursday night vanished except for spotty portions on lawns and streets. On my afternoon walk, I decided this weather was more appropriate for an Easter celebration, not a Christmas one. And I wasn't quite sure I liked that.

As I walked, however, I was reminded that as much as we (or at least, I) love to associate snow with Christmas, Christmas is not about snow. Christmas isn't even about a beautiful tree or dazzling lights. Christmas isn't about that mysterious gift, about seeing family, or Sunday School programs. Christmas is about the cross.

"'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.'" - Matthew 1:21 

"'For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.'" - John 3:16 

"He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." - 2 Corinthians 5:21

I pray that whether your Christmas is white or brown, slushy or fluffy, that your focus would always be on Jesus Christ. May we remember that Christmas is wonderful because it means that our God loved us enough to become a man, live among us, die and come back to life in order that our relationship with Him might be restored. What a glorious reason to celebrate!

And if you find yourself or others pouting about the lack of snow, just remind them that there wasn't snow in Bethlehem either.