Merry Christmas!

Today, as we celebrate the nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we are reminded that Jesus' entry into His own creation means that He sanctified it. Just as when a sick person touched Him and was healed, so everything that He touched was impacted--all of creation changed when He was born in the flesh. Irenaeus, a Church Father, pointed this out in his writings in some fascinating ways (and it makes for an enjoyable read).

Thus, to make an application that is helpful for Christmas, Jesus sanctified the "stuff" you are celebrating with. This means that you can enjoy that sanctified object if you offer both it and yourself to Him in your celebration. Jesus sanctified a Christmas ham; He sanctified your laughter; He sanctified the hug you give a loved one; He sanctified the present you received (even the one that you might not want!); Jesus sanctified you. Now celebrate this day in His grace.

Merry Christmas!