The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.  John 1:14

When I was young, each Christmas was new and wonderful with toys, games and clothes.

I don't get many toys these days.  Clothes are purchased off-season to save money.  The wrappings and trappings aren't so new and exciting.  Nostalgia is the ghost of Christmas past.  Even the story is old, showing signs of wear.  The Baby came, the shepherds saw, the angels sang.  Today it continues, then I can pack it away with the ornaments until next December.

But I have a God who makes all things new, including my tired repetition oh His Son's birth.  The Word of God became man.  Christ was born in a human body; He is born in me through Baptism and the Gospel.

I have something new and wonderful for Christmas.  Even better, I am something new - a flesh-and-blood child of God.  He named me in Baptism, calling me to be His always.  Today I celebrate Jesus' birth.  Through his forgiveness, today I also celebrate my daily rebirth.

 From "Portals of Prayer" (c) 2004 by Concordia Publishing House.  Reproduced by permission under license number 07:09-18B.  For ordering information contact Concordia at www.cph.org .