In short, here it is:
Many, many years ago, a young man and woman were to be married, Joseph and Mary. One day, an angel appeared to Mary and told her she had found favor in God's eyes and would give birth to a child, God's son. Joseph wasn't so sure about this in the beginning. Think about it -> your girlfriend told you that an angel appeared to her and told her she was going to have a baby <- What would you think? You'd be unsure, right? Well, Joseph was very unsure, until an angel appeared to him and told him the news too! So, it was settled, Mary was going to have a baby (God's son), and she and Joseph were going to name him Jesus, just like the angel told her to.
Late into Mary's pregnancy, she and Joseph had to travel to the town of Bethlehem to be counted in a census. They arrived late, and couldn't find a place to stay the night. They asked for a room at an inn, where the inn keeper told them the inn was full, but they could sleep with the animals out back. Pause! -> Sleep with the animals out back? Yup, basically a stable. <- What would you think about that, staying the night with smelly animals? And to top it off, being pregnant (or having a pregnant wife-to-be) wouldn't be convenient or comfortable. But, Mary and Joseph were thankful, and decided to stay. It was in that stable that Mary gave birth to God's son, Jesus, wrapped him in rags, and laid him in a manger (otherwise known as a feed trough) instead of a crib.
In the meantime, three wise men (aka "three kings of orient") had spotted a very bright star. They knew this star meant the arrival of a king, so they gathered together, bringing gifts, and set out to find the newborn king. After traveling a very great distance, they found Joseph, Mary, and Jesus in Bethlehem. They gave Jesus their gifts and worshiped him.
So that was it, in a very very short and vague summary. But here's the thing: God had His son born through a young woman, to grow up on earth, and to eventually give His life for our sins. This is why I celebrate Christmas: Jesus Christ was born, He grew up and He led a sinless life yet died for my sins. He died for me on that cross, so that I could have eternal life. How amazing is that? I celebrate His life, because He gave me life through His. And for that, I will be eternally grateful, and always celebrate. Jesus is my gift for Christmas.
Merry Christmas everyone!
And remember to celebrate the birth of our Savior, not just the giving of material gifts.
With love - Shawna
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