Fulfilled Among Us

Key Bible Passage:

Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. (Luke 1:1-4 NIV)

Reflect:

Today’s verses might tempt us to skip or skim over them while telling the story to our kids (or to ourselves) because they seem dry. But they are so important! Luke’s detailed account means we can be certain of this:

The Christmas story is fact, not fiction.

God loves us so much he doesn’t want to leave us in the dark about the lengths he took to be with us.

Every family has different Christmas traditions. Our family unwraps one present on Christmas Eve and the rest on Christmas morning. We make waffles and cocoa for breakfast, and spend the whole day in our PJs. For us it’s a peaceful day.

For some, however, Christmas is a painful reminder of a loss or difficulty or deployment. Tensions at home or with family members can erode the joy. Surely there’s more to Christmas – and to Christ – than just a day off, right?

Christmas festivities are fun, but they are meant to point to God’s gift of Jesus.

The New Testament books of Matthew and Luke describe this gift in documented detail. Some families read Luke 2 as part of their Christmas celebration–the story of the Christ child that Linus recites in “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Charlie Brown gets it by asking, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?!” Watch the movie for yourself, then actively think about Christmas gifts!

Respond:

• Consider watching “A Charlie Brown Christmas” to kick off the “reason for the season.”