Traditionally on this day, many families gather together and read the story of Jesus's birth. Some may even partake in the Lord's Supper as a way of reminding themselves that with the gift of Christ's life came an astonishing possibility - a possibility of life everlasting.  

One of the most subtly beautiful moments in the Bible happens a few chapters before the telling of Christ's birth. It is the story of Mary going to visit Elizabeth. The story reads:

In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And, blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.'" Luke 1:39-46

The very presence of the mother of Jesus brought joy and a release of the Holy Spirit. We have access to this same spectacular gift. Mary responds with what a song of praise that we should all read as we anticipate tomorrow morning, the coming of the Savior:

My soul magnifies the Lord,

And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

For he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

For he who is might has done great things for me,

And holy is his name.

And his mercy is for those who fear him

From generation to generation.

He has shown strength with his arm;

He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;

He has brought down the mighty from their thrones

And exalted those of humble estate;

He has filled the hungry with good things,

And the rich he has sent away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

In remembrance of his mercy,

As he spoke to our fathers,

To Abraham and to his offspring forever. Luke 1:47-55

Happy Christmas to you and yours. Praise God forever.