You're Invited

You've been invited to a birthday party. It's not your ordinary, run of the mill affair down at bowling alley.

No, it's the biggest celebration in the world! There are presents and presence, laughter and laud, family and friends. Stores (and even governments) shut down for the whole day.

Some people party in the sand. Others in the snow. Some have a lot while others have little. But, they all party. We are celebrating a birthday and literally everyone is invited.

Even more important, everyone is worthy of that invitation.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

- Luke 2:11-14 KJV

That 'you' in the first line? That is written to you, the reader.

And, me, the writer.

And the kid walking his dog outside your window, the homeless lady who you see going to church, the garbage collector who comes every Wednesday morning, your teacher, your Fortnite buddies, those people rioting in France....

Everyone. Is. Invited.

Everyone. Is. Worthy.

YOU are worthy of the most wonderful invitation in the world. No matter what you've done in the past. No matter what you've said. The host wants you to party with him.

That baby boy born over two thousand years ago changed the world. He did so with a simple message and intentional life: Love the Lord with all you have and your neighbor as yourself.

When you do these two things with the right heart, it all becomes a party, one we can celebrate daily if we so choose. And, here's the best part... you get to choose.

Happy birthday, Jesus. Thanks for bringing the gift for us. Merry Christmas, all.