Comforts of Christmas

I write this from my bed this evening, Christmas Eve. at 10:00. We are setting a record this year, this is the earliest we have ever gotten to bed since having kids.

I gave my wife a luxury pillow today and she climbed into bed to enjoy the plush comfort of it's embrace.

The furnace just kicked on, completely quiet except for the sound of the rushing warm air from the vents next to our bed. That reminds me of a couple more luxuries; the quiet safety of our home and the warmth that we enjoy within it.

All these thoughts of our comforts and luxuries bring to mind luxuries that were missing the first Christmas night in Bethlehem.

I think of Mary and Joseph sleeping in a barn on the cold, damp straw, both of them probably hungry and tired from their long journey, Mary still writhing from the pains of childbirth, and both with thousands of questions and uncertainties on their minds.

I think of the shepherds leaving their fields in the middle of the night, leading their flocks throughout the town of Bethlehem, and embarking on a search to find The One they have heard to be the Savior of the world.

And I think of Jesus, The One giving up the most. Giving up the comforts of heaven to be born here in earth. Giving up the luxuries of glory to begin a life of humanity, all so that He could be killed.

So, while we enjoy our comforts and luxuries this Christmas Eve. Let us give thanks for those that did without on the first Christmas and let us give thanks to The One that gave up His glory, His honor, and His life for us.

Praise be to Jesus Christ this Christmas