But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” – Luke 2:19-20

Christmas is a day when work stops, schools are closed, and the family comes together. At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the one who was born to save us from our sins. It is to be a very special day, a day to remember, a day to rejoice, and a day to give thanks.

The shepherds and the wise men came to worship and to celebrate. They came because angels had been sent to guide them to Jesus. The shepherds were near by, but the wise men journeyed a great distance. There coming was not an accident, it was intentional. They did not come to take pictures, but to bring gifts and to bow down and worship.

Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th’angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!” [Charles Wesley -1739]

Let us stop and give thanks.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love. [Isaac Watts -1719]

Christmas is a day to worship and celebrate.