Is Bethlehem the New Whoville?
Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! Psalm 95:1-2 (ESV)
What kind of a world do we live in today? Yes, it is a big mess; one we can do little about. However, we can watch to see what is happening around us and raise all our voices in song to praise our God together.
When the Grinch stole everything from Whoville, including the crumbs for the mice, he only took the tangible things. He took gifts, trees, food, etc., but he could not take the song in their hearts. That is where the true spirit of Christmas was located.
When they awakened on Christmas morning and discovered their losses, they still found their joy and sang their hearts out.
While Bethlehem’s Christmas was all but cancelled this year due to war, without a doubt there were Christians still celebrating the birth of Christ. Perhaps they were hidden away or tucked into over-crowded homes, but the birth of Christ was celebrated. There is nothing that can stop us from loving our Savior.
Maybe they sang softly but they still sang.
They might have read the Bible by candlelight, but the story of His birth was still shared.
Over the warning sounds of the air-raid sirens, they could have been praying for family and friends, but they still lifted their voices to the newborn King.
The Godly Spirit of Christmas cannot be silenced, bombed, or destroyed. It lives forever, last year, this new year and invites us to sing along with all Christians around the world.
Heavenly Father, we praise Your holy name. We don’t always put You first and we ask You to forgive us. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit that dwells in each of us. Please keep us bonded with Your loving Presence and let us sing Your praises forever. AMEN.