Drive-Thru Christmas

READ: Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a Son, and they will call Him Immanuel-
which means, “God with us.”

There are drive-thru restaurants and drive-thru banks, drive-thru pharmacies and even . . . drive-thru funeral homes. So, it’s no surprise that drive-thru “live nativities” are so popular at Christmas.

Personally, I like the idea. It’s convenient. It provides access for people who are disabled or elderly. Visitors who have the time are welcome to get out of their cars and stroll among the cattle and sheep. But if your time is limited, you can cruise through in a few minutes, get your spiritual uplift, and still have time for hot chocolate on the way home. Your entire Christmas “fix” in one night.

How tempting to have a drive-thru mentality about Christmas! It’s so familiar. We enjoy the traditions. We love to sing the songs that are reserved for this once-a-year celebration. But most of the month of December is so busy, so rushed, it’s easy to forget about the meaning of this “holiday.”

At this time of year, we are remembering the birth of a baby. Isaiah had prophesied that the Savior would be born (9:6-7). The Christmas story is enjoyable and easy to listen to. But it was just the beginning. The rest of Jesus’ story includes pain, sacrifice, and death.

Instead of speeding through this month, take the time to reflect on the best present you have ever received—the gift of eternal life—and remember the sacrifice that was necessary to give you that gift. Think about His ministry, His death on the cross, His resurrection, and His ascension to heaven.

Slow down. Resist the temptation to overspend, party, and eat till you burst. Get out of your car at the drive-thru nativity and remember what happened on that night so long ago. Imagine yourself out in the field with the shepherds when the angels told them: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord!” (Luke 2:11). —Cindy Kasper

REFLECTION

• Why is it so hard to “take it slow” through Christmas? How can I set better priorities?
• What will I give the Lord this Christmas to celebrate His birthday?

Go slow this Christmas.

campus journal