Christmas Day is such a hard day to keep holy. You're surrounded by your family, presents under the tree, and a few days off of work. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the day.

However, Christmas is such a special time. It is a time for Christians all over the world to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. There will never be a gift as wonderful as God sending His Son to earth to save us!

The world was looking for the majestic birth of a king, but instead, Jesus was given a humble birth in a stable.

Luke 2:7-20 says, "She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no guest room available for them.And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you the good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told."

The first people to see Jesus were shepherds, who were considered outcasts. This was foreshadowing for how He would further His ministry. He chose to reveal himself to the least important people by the world's standards. All through His ministry, he continued to associate with people from all walks of life. However, the people with the least were the ones who accepted Him the most.

At Christmas, we are receiving gifts given to us free of charge. That is exactly what Jesus offers-- His free gift of salvation for anyone who will accept it. This baby born in a stable brings us eternal life when we accept His gift.

Isaiah 9:6, "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."