This week, we had a special event for the people we serve at the hospital where I work as a chaplain. We listened to Christmas music, ate Christmas cookies, and provided everyone with an opportunity to take a “selfie” in front of a Christmas tree and send it to their families along with a personalized message in a Christmas card. Many of our patients have been separated from their families and not seen them for quite some time so the event was well received by all. It was a time of smiles and laughter. Many shared with me how grateful they were to be able to reach out to their families and send a picture of themselves and share an important message with the people they love.

As I reflect on this event, it reminds me of the very reason Christians celebrate Christmas. All of us like sheep have gone astray and we have all been separated from God. But God, in His love, has reached out to us, sending us the most important message we could ever receive. He has sent us a message of redemption and restoration through His Son Jesus Christ. At Christmas we acknowledge and celebrate that God has declared and demonstrated His love for us by sending Christ to be our Savior. As Paul said in 2 Corinthians 9:15, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.”