Begin by reading about the birth of Jesus from Luke 1:26-38 and 2:1-7.
 
The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, an ordinary girl engaged to Joseph, a carpenter. The angel told her that she would give birth to a son who would be named Jesus. The angel also told her that she was truly blessed and the Lord was with her and went on to declare truths about Jesus. Mary answered, “I am the Lord’s servant….” How do we respond to difficult things the Lord tells us? Do we complain and argue, or do we, like Mary, humbly obey?
 
Mary & Joseph walked about 70-80 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem. What a journey - what faithfulness and obedience on Mary & Joseph’s part. Of course, when they arrived in Bethlehem, there were so many people who had arrived before them that they could not find a place to stay. Mary was ready to give birth, so they took the only place remaining…a stable. And, there, Jesus was born. Mary wrapped Him in strips of cloth and placed Him in a manger. What do you think a manger looks like?.
 
Jesus….the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace is why we celebrate Christmas. Why not begin planning your family’s Christmas celebration, making sure that the TRUE meaning of Christmas is the focal point?