Ramping up to Christmas seems to start earlier every year. Thanksgiving used to be the marker on the calendar to start shopping and get the decorations out. Nowadays, it seems to be pushed up to November first.

Churches ramp up as well. Many are in the throes of planning their Christmas programs. For staff, it can be all-encompassing. Of course, it is all-important as all prepare to celebrate the birth of the Christ-child. Does the ramping up of gift purchases, decorating and programing exemplify and encourage a growing understanding of God or of something else?

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. – Luke 2:4-7. Mary and Joseph were simply complying with the decree that a census was being taken of the entire Roman world. They were very much aware of the fact that Mary was carrying the ‘Son of the Most High’. The angel Gabriel had said just that when he informed Mary that she would ‘conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.’ (Luke 1:31-32). An angel of the Lord also appeared to Joseph in a dream saying, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 1:20). Yet, they would continue to go about their day-to-day obligations, respecting the authority of the Roman government while obeying God to the best of their understanding. There was not a lot of hoopla around the pending birth. It could be said that Joseph did not think ahead at all – He failed to provide what would be considered appropriate accommodations for Mary and the birth of Jesus. Joseph and Mary knew God’s story involved them but that it was not about them. God would glorify Himself through the host of angels singing to the shepherds and the wise men following the star to Bethlehem. The young couple’s absolute faith and trust in God can get lost in the broader story. What would Christmas be like today if all simply lived into their understanding of Jesus’ birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension? Mary and Joseph had their Jewish heritage that provided grounding for their understanding of God. Today’s Christians have family, church, and the Bible available to provide the full story in historical detail. Does all the ramping up to Christmas today exemplify and encourage a growing understanding of God through His Son Jesus the Christ? That is a good question for every family, and church to ponder. If the answer is yes, then keep it up. If the answer is no, stop and pray. It may be time to revisit the example set by the young Jewish couple in the first century, and live out a faith and trust in God that honors Him, points to Him, and glorifies Him. A generation is watching.

Prayer guide: Father, thank You for Your Son and the example of Mary and Joseph. I confess I have looked right past the level of faith and trust required of the young Jewish couple as foundational for Your plan. I have put my faith in a lot of worldly stuff but have failed to lead an exemplary life grounded in an absolute faith and trust in You. Forgive me. I know You expect me to exemplify and encourage a growing understanding of You Father through Your Son. Help me live out my faith and trust in You this Christmas season and beyond in a way that honors You, points to You and glorifies You. That is the dad You call me to be, and that is the dad my kids need to see. Amen.

A faithful father lives out his faith and trust in Jesus the Christ.