Did it feel like a night any different
Then at least a million before
Was there any rare expectation
Like there was some kind of something in store
Did the sky have to hold back the thunder
Did the moon find new reasons to glow
Could the children somehow sense the wonder
2000 Decembers ago

Were the sheep as amazed as the shepherds
At the new star that lit up the sky
Did the willow trees whisper excitement
To the rivers and streams passing by
Did the joy ricochet off the mountains
‘Til it filled up the valleys below
Did all the world sense love abounding
2000 Decembers ago

Was anyone able to look at the stable
And not see a child but a King
I wish I could hear back over the years
As heaven and nature sing, heaven and nature sing

Did the walls of the barn start to tremble
With a glory they could not contain
Did anyone wake with the feeling
Of peace that they could not explain
Oh the love must have been overwhelming
As it warmed everyone in its flow
For all of the earth is still telling
Of 2000 Decembers ago

Oh, the love must have been overwhelming
2000 Decembers ago

*   ♥  ~  ✝  ~  ★    *

For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you;
Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God,
and saying, Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luke 2:11-14 KJV

I remember the first time I laid eyes on my firstborn.  I felt a love that I couldn’t even put into words.  I looked at every detail and found her absolutely perfect.  I imagine that God felt the same way that night.

There, in a dirty stable, a King was born.  That tiny baby would become the Savior of the world.  And yes, He is a King, but He would be more at home with the dirtiest, the poorest, and the most humble. He would be a Friend of sinners and ultimately die for each and every one.

I imagine that the stars did shine brighter that night.  The moon was probably beautiful and full and love was everywhere…His glory would light up our lives for thousands of years to come.   No darkness is too dark, and no sin too big, and no life too lost for Him to redeem.  He is the only Gift we will ever need!

So as you light your home and put out your nativity scene, I hope that your thoughts go back to that perfect night when the only perfect Child was born.  The night when the angels sang and the shepherds sought Him and Love came down to save us all.  This is the reason we celebrate today, 2000 Decembers later.

Let us pray: Dear Lord, You are Awesome, Sovereign, Holy, and Mighty.  You are just, full of grace and mercy!  We bow down to You today and thank You for the perfect Gift that You sent to us, all those years ago.  You gave us Your only Son, a Savior to take all of our sins away.  How can we ever thank You enough?  Help us, oh God, to remember what this season is really about. And to not get so wrapped up in the commercial side of it but to place our thoughts on You.  To be with those who are hurting and lonely and surround them with Your love.  May we be Your hands and feet, and spread hope to those who need it.  We love You and we praise You.  In Jesus’ name, amen.