We celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ today. This is the day we celebrate on which history turns. God made an appearance in his own creation and made certain that his presence would be constant and certain. The creation was God’s initiation of this world. The advent was God’s occupation of it. That is the essence of it. God in this world to become part of it, fix it, reveal himself to it, prepare it for eternity.
George W. Truett said, “Christ was born in the first century, yet he belongs to all centuries. He was born a Jew, yet he belongs to all races. He was born in Bethlehem, yet he belongs to all countries.” Regardless of culture, class, race or nationality, if we are to make Christmas memories that will last more deeply than our culture-shaped celebrations, we will stick close to the essence of it. Worship is our most fitting response to God’s appearance and loving presence. This is the best Christmas tradition for everyone everywhere.