The Special Bond. Christmas Jubilation, Part 2

"While they were in Bethlehem, the time came for Mary to have her child. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger because there wasn't any room for them in the inn." Luke 2:6-7 (GW)

This is the original Christmas. Notice that there is no delicious meal. No family or friends are celebrating. There aren't even any presents. In fact, they don't even have a room to sleep in! Instead, Jesus' birth occurred amidst curious cattle, donkeys and goats. They were the real witnesses to the arrival of the Son of God!

Unlike that first Christmas, many celebrate by giving numerous presents to one another, most with no thought of the original event. They are with family and friends, and they enjoy a sumptuous meal. The next day, the kids play with their toys. So much fun! However, something strange happens within two weeks. The toys are not attractive any longer, and they are soon set aside. Even some adults feel depressed after Christmas.

It doesn't have to be that way! Only one gives us purpose, the One who was born on Christmas day! While He was visiting our planet He promised us: "Come to me, all who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 (GW)

We hunger for eternity, but put aside the One who can make that happen. We hunger for purpose, but because we are just ordinary people, we figure we'll never attain to this goal. Every year we come back to the Christmas scene and every year, most repeat what they have done in Christmas' past: They fail to realize that Christmas is about the Son of God's arrival on planet earth. No wonder many are depressed!

Last summer, I went to Belgium to visit my mom at her Long-Term Care Facility. When we arrived, she was catatonic. There was no visual recognition, whatsoever. When she heard my voice, however, she suddenly realized who we were and she began repeating my name over and over again.

For those who don't know, my mom has Alzheimer's. That disease has stolen her mobility and her cognitive skills. She sits in her wheelchair all day long, saying nothing. When she heard me, however, her smile spread across her face. Throughout the week of our visit, she never stopped smiling, and she repeatedly told us she loved us.

Unfortunately, I am unable to visit my mom often. I call her every day, however, and the nurses tell me that a miracle occurs every time they place the phone to her ear. She comes out of her catatonic state to listen to me, and sometimes she even responds. As soon as the phone is hung up, however, she goes back to being unresponsive. It would seem that the bond between us can't even be broken by Alzheimer's.

Jesus is also always trying to reach us. The problem is that most of us remain in a catatonic state when He calls out to us. We ignore Him completely. We truly do not know what we are missing out on! When we respond to Him, however, there is an intimate bond that forms between us and our Savior, one that cannot ever be broken.

If you don't know Him at all, why not try Him? All you need to do is call out to Him, and He will come through for you.

Do you have at that special bond with Jesus?

Rob Chaffart