Remembering Christmas Every Day

About this time, Caesar Augustus, the Roman, Emperor, decreed that a census should be taken through out the nation. (This census was taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.)

Everyone was required to return to his ancestral home for this registration. And because Joseph was a member of the royal line, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, King David's ancient home - journeying there from the Galilean village of Nazareth. He took with him Mary, his fiancee, who was obviously pregnant by this time.

And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be borne; and she gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn.

Luke 2:1-7 (TLB)

"...and be sure of this - that I am with you always, even to the end of the world." Matthew 28:20 (TLB)

Steve Schlesselman lives in Oklahoma. Every Christmas season, they buy poinsettias to help them celebrate Christ's birthday. Bright red, pure white, or variegated blooms add a festive atmosphere wherever they are. Some say the flower represents the star that led the wise men to Bethlehem. For others, the white blooms symbolize purity. This year Steve has found new meaning in the plant; it is a reminder that Christ is always with us.

Usually after putting away the Christmas decorations, they get back to normal life and forget about their poinsettia. But last Christmas, their family did something different. Instead of neglecting it until it withered away, they placed their poinsettia on their kitchen counter where they see it everyday and are reminded of the wonder of Christmas, when Christ came to earth. They water it as needed, and it is still beautiful, even producing new leaves at the end of September.

This plant reminds Steve of the love that God showed us in sending God's own son to earth. Seeing the still-living poinsettia reminds Steve that God lives and never leaves us. Indeed, our Lord is with us every day, all year long, even "to the end of the age."

Prayer: Faithful God, thank you for sending Jesus to be with us always, each and everyday. We pray in His name. Amen.