Only One

 Since Black Friday, the number of times I've heard the song How Many Kings by Downhere is innumerable.  Almost so many times, it just slides by.  But the lyrics in that song are just amazing:

Follow the star to the place unexpected                                                                          Would you believe after all we've projected                                                                           A child in a manger                                                                                                         Lowly and small, the weakest of all                                                                         Unlikeliness hero, wrapped in his mother's shawl                                                                 Just a child                                                                                                                            Is this who we've waited for?  

Cause how many kings stepped down from their thrones?                                                 How many lords have abandoned their homes?                                                                 How many greats have become the least for me?                                                               How many gods have poured out their hearts                                                                       To romance a world that has torn all apart?                                                                       How many fathers gave up their sons for me?   

Bringing our gifts for the newborn Savior                                                                              All that we have whether costly or meek                                                                      Because we believe                                                                                                          Gold for his honor and frankincense for his pleasure                                                           And myrrh for the cross he'll suffer                                                                                       Do you believe, is this who we've waited for?  

How many kings stepped down from their thrones?                                                           How many lords have abandoned their homes?                                                                 How many greats have become the least for me?                                                               How many gods have poured out their hearts                                                                       To romance a world that has torn all apart?                                                                       How many fathers gave up their sons for me?                                                                    Only one did that for me

 That last line is what makes this song my favorite.  I always get goosebumps when I hear those last words.  Do you realize just how amazing it is that not only did God send us, undeserving human beings, a Savior, but He sent the Savior as a child.  A little baby.  And He did it so that Jesus could relate to us!  No, He never sinned, but He was tempted, He had to grow up in the world, He had friends that betrayed Him, He was mocked, He even had to go to school!

 My family is really big on traditions on my mom's side.  I don't remember any Christmas that has been different.  It's hard for me not to get wrapped up in family time during Christmas.  Playing games, and celebrating Christmas together is really special for me, but I think sometimes I focus on that more than the real Reason for the season: Jesus.  Some people focus on gifts, some on family or friends, some on decorating, some on traditions, and maybe we don't mean to, but stop and look: why is there a time in December to give/receive gifts, continue traditions, spend time with family and friends, decorate?  Why is there Christmas?  Because this is the time when Christ came as an infant--it's His birthday!  You know, we get presents on our birthdays, but why do we get presents on Jesus'?  My family's main celebration is on Christmas Eve, and on Christmas Day we have relaxing, fun day.  On Christmas Day, we have a birthday cake for Jesus.  I think this helps to take the focus off of ourselves during this season.  I'm just waiting for Jesus to blow out His own candles (that would be super cool)! :)

 So, to conclude:

Merry Christmas!!!