Our family visited the Christmas market in downtown Bordeaux. We enjoyed walking through the rows of small heated cabins brightly decorated with all kinds of things for sale, from caramelized almonds to hand painted figurines. Our snack consisted of a cone full of fresh roasted chestnuts right out of the pan and another cone a little later of hot churros (Spanish doughnuts). As we left the market to return home we noticed a good sized manger scene on display. I was encouraged to see that the True meaning of Christmas was not forgotten, and that the manger scene was present to remind people. Upon closer inspection, we discovered the the manger scene was missing the most important figure, that of the Christ Child. Probably some mal intentioned prank. However, the message was poignant. There amidst the throngs of people celebrating Christmas this year, we couldn't help but wonder how few there would be that would be celebrating Christmas without Christ, Immanuel, God with us. And we are reminded of the purpose for our being here, to proclaim the Good News of a Savior who was born in Bethlehem so that He could die on Calvary, offering eternal life to all. Please pray for God to use us to this end.
Our family visited the Christmas market in downtown Bordeaux. We enjoyed walking through the rows of small heated cabins brightly decorated with all kinds of things for sale, from caramelized almonds to hand painted figurines. Our snack consisted of a cone full of fresh roasted chestnuts right out of the pan and another cone a little later of hot churros (Spanish doughnuts). As we left the market to return home we noticed a good sized manger scene on display. I was encouraged to see that the True meaning of Christmas was not forgotten, and that the manger scene was present to remind people. Upon closer inspection, we discovered the the manger scene was missing the most important figure, that of the Christ Child. Probably some mal intentioned prank. However, the message was poignant. There amidst the throngs of people celebrating Christmas this year, we couldn't help but wonder how few there would be that would be celebrating Christmas without Christ, Immanuel, God with us. And we are reminded of the purpose for our being here, to proclaim the Good News of a Savior who was born in Bethlehem so that He could die on Calvary, offering eternal life to all. Please pray for God to use us to this end.
1 comment:
Often the "baby Jesus" isn't put into the manger until the 24th. Our Neighbors were always surprised that we had already put the baby in the manger before Christmas.
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