Do you ever get discouraged? Be honest.
 
If you do, can we talk?
 
Can we sit down and push pause on bowhunting for a few moments? Can we take time to discuss what’s most important this time of year? Can we spend five minutes ditching the mask, opening our hearts and sharing the true meaning of Christmas? If you don’t have the time, I understand. If you have a moment to spare, let’s talk.
 
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During the holidays I try to read the biblical account of the Christmas story every morning. I’m always surprised as I read it over again at all the little details that stand out. This morning as I was reading Luke chapter 2, I saw something in a new light. It was a great encouragement to me and I want to share it with you.
 
The Christmas story as found in Luke 2 verse 6 says, “…that while they were there….” The entire verse reads, “So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.”
 
“There.” Where was “there?” Where were Mary and Joseph anyway?
 
Was “there” someplace Mary and Joseph had chosen? Was “there” someplace they had gone voluntarily? Was “there” a comfortable place? Was “there” an easy place?
 
No, none of the above.
 
1. They were forced by a dictator to leave home and occupation.
2. Due to a census they had travel around 80 miles by foot, caravan or beast of burden.
3. It is suggested they had no place to stay once they arrived.
4. It is inferred they were all alone in a strange place.
 
Here was a couple that had been forced to be in a place they didn’t choose. Ever been “there?”
 

Has life put you in a place that can only be described as “there?”

 
Ever had life put you in a place that could only be described as “there?”
Ever had reverses that caused you to have to start over?
Ever faced a situation that left you wondering why you even exist?
 
Unfortunately, we all have been, will be, or currently are “there.”
 
Now before you go on thinking that Randy is one of those guys whose life has been a bed of roses, let’s have some disclosure. If it wasn’t for God’s mercy, I wouldn’t be here. Having survived a gas explosion which left me burnt almost 70% of my body, rest assured I understand hard times. And have the scars to prove it.
 
I also know that God shows us through the Christmas story that He has a plan even when we are “there.”
 
I doubt Mary understood why her delivery room had to smell like animals. I doubt Joseph understood why the Ob/Gyn floor had to be a barn. Matter of fact, I doubt Mary and Joseph understood “there” at all.
 
Frankly, neither do I.
 
I will never understand why we have to face pain, hurt and situations in life that tear our very heart out. Yet…
 
“There” is where the first Christmas carol was sung.
“There” is where the first message of hope was spread.
“There” is where our Savior was born.
“There” is where God worked the greatest miracle ever – the birth of Jesus Christ.
 
As I have been reminded today, I want to remind you this Christmas season that no matter your frustration, pain, and “there,” God can redeem it. Even when it can only be described as “there.” Just remember, Christmas is because of “there.”
 
How ironic this is being written in a doctor’s office. In some form or fashion we all have been “there.”
 
And so has Jesus Christ.
 

The mantle is graced with garland and the manger scene is positioned just inside the entryway. Decorations have been placed in every room, creating a mood that’s festive and cozy. Sparkling lights and shimmering candles add to the Christmas ambience. It’s Christmas time and our family, like yours, enjoys celebrating the occasion.
 
Placed in the middle of the dinning room table is a beautiful Christmas centerpiece. With its mixture of deep burgundy’s, gold’s and greens it complements the entire room. Lying next to the centerpiece is yesterday’s mail — what a disparity.
 
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The centerpiece asks for nothing, it simply gives of its beauty and adorns the table. Arranged with candles, garland and glass, it’s content to simply glitter and give. A stark contrast to the numerous post-cards, pamphlets, bulletins and brochures claiming some last-minute sale for the would-be shopper. Each ad asserts it has something I can’t live without and lures me to buy the latest sporting goods item. The brightly colored advertisements suggest happiness comes through giving some product as a gift.
 
The contrast between centerpiece and marketing piece quietly confirmed — you can’t put a price tag on the best gifts.
 
1.   You can’t buy a relationship with Jesus Christ. It was purchased for you.
 
2.   You can’t buy time quality time with your family. You have to make it.
 
3.   You can’t buy true friends. Friendships are priceless.
 
4.   You can’t buy people who love you. Love is inestimable.
 
5.   You can’t buy indelible memories. They are constructed from the intangible.
 
6.   You can’t buy time. It’s God’s gift to each of us.
 
7.   You can’t buy contentment. It’s a state of the heart.
 
8.   You can’t buy kindness. It’s an act.
 
9.   You can’t buy compassion. It’s a response.
 
10.  You can’t buy encouragement. It’s a selfless gesture.
 
To be truthful, I don’t have a Christmas list this year. Instead, I chose to make a list of people. People like the bowhunter in our subdivision that I barely know. On our Christmas list is the act of taking him and his family some gifts and groceries.
 
The best Christmas gifts can’t be bought – but they can be given.
 
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!  2 Corinthians 9:15