I like to picture the hills in Bethlehem covered in pure white that night, but it seldom snows in Bethlehem. Even if there was snow that night, how long could it have lasted? And how long could it have remained white, trampled by men and beasts?

The young mother had no female relatives with her to assist at the birth, only her betrothed, who was not the father, but he knew the Father. What a heavy responsibility he bore, helping to bring the infant King into the world. Or did he step outside to give Mary privacy, protecting her modesty?

The Baby who was born that cold, cold night was God himself. Did He remember why He was here? A fully human infant, maybe He was blissfully unaware that night.

Mary and Joseph celebrated their blessed event with shepherds, who had been sent by angels. Later, three wise men came from the East.

Then an angel warned the young guardians that Herod was displeased with the thought of a new King.

And so they fled to Egypt, where they lived awhile as refugees, until the angel told them it was safe to return to their hometown of Nazareth.

By the time He was twelve, the Boy knew He must be about His Father’s business. He learned His earthly father’s trade, but studied His divine Father’s word.

While Mary watched her Son’s growth, her joy was bittersweet. She understood that sorrow was to come; yet she treasured her memories in her heart.

When He grew up, He revealed His true identity, and was publicly executed for being Who He said He is. He took all the sins of the world with Him, and paid for them on that cross.

But that’s not the end of the story. It’s actually the beginning.

Because He lives, and He cleared the way for us to live with Him for eternity. Though we were separated from God because of our sinful nature, Jesus, through the sacrifice of His blameless life, won us the right to call God our Father.

It’s His Christmas gift to you. Will you unwrap it? Invite the Christ Child into your heart.