Celebrating Christmas

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11 (NIV) Sending us to Sunday school that first year prompted my mom to celebrate Christmas—something I didn’t remember doing before. As she decorated the small tree, I asked her who God is. Her reply was simple, and something I have never forgotten. “God is someone who will never let you down. He will always be there for you.” She had been raised in the Catholic faith and sent to residential school. For her to know that and trust God was truly a gift for me and my siblings. It reminds me of Jesus’ promise to never leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8). I remember hearing the account of the angel appearing to the shepherds. The Bible says the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified. The angel told them the good news about Jesus being born in the city of David, how they would find him in a manger. Then heavenly hosts appeared and praised God, giving Him glory, and saying peace on earth for men. The Christmas songs described a beautiful scene and powerful words about Jesus being born. The star over Bethlehem, leading the three wise men to Him—all these vivid descriptions thrilled my young heart! The fact that our Lord and Savior was born in a stable gave me a humble heart and love toward Him. I really believe it also laid the foundation of how I would always want to celebrate Christmas, remembering it as the recognition of Jesus’s birth. I love to sing the Christmas hymns. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for your gift of life through Your Son Jesus. – Loretta Oppenheim   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org