It's a mystery

With Christmas only a matter of days away for most of us the focus is on preparation. Even the simplest Christmas requires some preparing. Whether it is food to be bought, gifts to be wrapped or rooms to be readied for the visitors who will arrive soon activity is the order of the day.

In the midst of the activity there is little opportunity to pause, stop, reflect on the mystery of Christs birth.

Yet mystery it is. 

Why should God wrap himself up as a scrap of humanity?

Why would he do this via a betrothed teenager in what we now call the Middle East?

Why would he choose a stable for his arrival?

Or shepherds as his first visitors?

Why would wise men bring such bizarre gifts as gold, frankincense and myrrh?

There is mystery here - and wonder- wrapped in faith and hope. Don't be so active that you miss the mystery of Bethlehem.