Don't Sleep Through This

"O little town of Bethlehem,

How still we see thee lie.

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep,

The silent stars go by.

Yet in thy dark streets shineth

The Everlasting Light.

The hopes and fears

Of all the years

Are met in thee tonight."

     The little town of Bethlehem was packed to the gills with weary travelers that first Christmas night. Like Joseph and Mary, many came to be registered for the census. Busy with the cares of life, how many realized what miracle took place in the stable down the street? God came to earth in the vulnerable form of an infant, the long-awaited Messiah! The exuberant shepherds spread the word after they'd seen Jesus, anxious to share this great news. How many folks listened and allowed this news to change their lives? Or perhaps it was business as usual the next day.

     Christmas was the first coming of Christ; there will be a second one. "They will see the Son of Man coming on the cloud of the sky, with power and great glory...No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father...Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." (Matthew 24: 30, 36, 42)

     We WILL see. Our Lord WILL come. Just as the first advent of Jesus was predicted and those prophecies came to perfect fruition, you can bet your bottom dollar these predictions of his powerful return will also come true. Wake up! Keep watch! Emulate the jubilant shepherds and spread the news. Don't sleep through this.