My relatives bought their tickets months in advance. A ride to the airport was arranged, and we all hoped the flight would not be delayed or cancelled. We would have Christmas together. Spending Christmas with family is truly special.

The first Christmas started with a family traveling. Joseph and Mary made the long trek to Bethlehem. They didn’t find family there to greet them; they couldn’t even find a place to stay. They made do with a stable where the Savior of the world was born. As Isaiah prophesied hundreds of years earlier, “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14).

Jesus has been called by many different names, and each tells us something about his nature. Immanuel means God with us. What a fitting name for the Son of God and son of man! Jesus came all the way from heaven to live as a human being with us. He came to do what we could never do. He used his life to serve, love and forgive perfectly. He knew his trail on earth led to the cross, yet he walked that path willingly and perfectly so that he might take away all our failures. As we celebrate the Savior’s birth on Christmas, we look also to his ultimate sacrifice and victory over sin, death, and the devil.

Knowing what this little baby was destined to do brought the angels with their Christmas song, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14). On hearing about this wonderful peace, the shepherds hurried off, first to see the Christ child and then to tell others about him. We get to do the same. We hurry to the manger to wonder at the Christ child. We gaze in awe at the terrible cross which brought us such peace. We jump for joy at the news of Jesus’ glorious resurrection. This Christmastime and throughout the year, hurry to God’s Word and revel in his salvation. Spend time hearing and praying and praising our Savior with others. Then go and tell. We have the best news ever, the news that makes us all part of God’s family.

“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.” (Luke 2:10-11) May God bring you peace and joy this Christmas, my family in Christ!