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TheTime COIN<br />
Camille Anding<br />
When Joseph, Mary and the Babe left the stable of Bethlehem that first Christmas,<br />
I imagine it as being a picture of simplicity.<br />
Their temporary dwelling had been a stable, so there had been no cleaning, dusting or polishing.<br />
There was no Christmas tree or decorations to pack, and the only brilliant star had faded with<br />
the sunrise. There were no plans to store boxes, make gift exchanges or return broken items.<br />
After their guests had left, there was no gathering of articles of clothing or gifts that had been<br />
left behind. Their guests had been lowly shepherds bringing nothing but their rods and staffs.<br />
Nor had there been any sad farewells. Those that had witnessed this first Christmas weren’t<br />
concerned about the New Year’s economy, inflation, interest rates, or unemployment.<br />
Why should they be? They had just witnessed and worshiped the answer to every problem<br />
that would ever face mankind. They left with the promise of victory in their hearts, and this<br />
overshadowed any gloom or doubt about the coming year.<br />
Our celebration doesn’t carry much resemblance to that first Christmas.<br />
The present day has brought us to an era where only our imaginations<br />
can relieve that first miraculous event as it is told in the Bible.<br />
Yet, the story in Luke remains the same. Time hasn’t changed or reconstructed<br />
the story of Christ’s birth. The love we share with family and friends is a<br />
continuation of that first love that God sent through His Son.<br />
January is a time to pack Christmas ’23 away- all the decorations and lights<br />
and find a space for the gifts. There’s always a trace of sadness as I dismantle<br />
the tree and return Christmas storage boxes to the attic. This year I’ve asked<br />
God to give me the joy that the shepherds had as they left the newborn<br />
Messiah. Like them, I want to experience peace, love, and joy in anticipation<br />
of the coming year. May God grant each of us the faith to live this year in<br />
the overcoming victory in Jesus that has never changed and never will.<br />
106 • JANUARY 2024