There have been a lot of them – “nights before Christmas” – two thousand twenty-four such nights to be exact, since the original night when Jesus was born. Today, in many cultures, this night before Christmas, Christmas Eve, is considered sacred. It is observed in different ways around the world. One of the better-known descriptions of Christmas Eve is found in Clement Moore’s poem – “Twas the Night Before Christmas” which begins like this-

“Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; the stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.”

Sounds pretty quiet (“not a creature was stirring”) – sounds like they were prepared for the guest they were expecting (“the stockings were hung”) – sounds like they were ready to receive their anticipated guest, Santa, whenever he arrived. However, what it doesn’t sound like or describe is the first Christmas Eve when Jesus was born. That first Christmas Eve, no one was prepared, no one was even keeping watch, and it was anything but quiet. A better description of that first Christmas Eve might be-

Twas the night of the arrival of the long-awaited King, but no one watched or waited, none expected such a thing

Even though all the prophets had predicted the Messiah’s arrival, people grew weary in the waiting, focused solely on survival

because life was hard for everyone, as slaves they were greatly oppressed- they were waiting for a warrior, a baby they never would have guessed

would be the One to set them free, to deliver them from their plight – not a soldier, but a Savior, God gave the world that night.

He was born in a stable since all the inns were filled, but not a one took notice, except the angels who were thrilled –

the angels proclaimed to the shepherds this miracle of Jesus’s birth, then the shepherds hurried to worship Him, God’s gift to all on earth.

A brilliant star arose over the place where Jesus lay, guiding shepherds and the wise men on their journey’s way –

“Peace on earth, good will to men”, the angels all proclaimed – as they left, the shepherds heard their glad refrain – the world would never be the same –

Immanuel! Immanuel! God has come with us to dwell!

Peace on earth, good will to men. God’s forgiveness breaks the power of sin!

Immanuel! Immanuel! God has come with us to dwell!

“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel – which means, ‘God with us.’ ” (Matthew 1:23)

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ ” (Luke 2:10-12)

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over His kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Praise God for the gift of His Son!

sincerely, Grace Day