Everybody needs to see the Christmas lights at Silver Dollar City at least once in their lifetime. And I think half of everybody showed up this past weekend to see them along with me and my family. The good thing? At least the crowd provided a windbreak of sorts :)

Temps dipped into the 30s by evening, but some steaming hot chocolate and a hot funnel cake helped keep my mind off of my icy hands and feet. And even though we missed taking in the shows because of the long lines, we loved seeing the spectacular light display that covered the city from corner to corner.

For those of you unfamiliar with this particular theme park, Silver Dollar City is a place where you can step back in time and get a taste of what life was like in the 1800s. Granted, the Christmas festival takes a bit of license with all the modern lights, but in the midst of it all, we still saw the blacksmith at work and the ladies in the candy store stretching peanut brittle. We heard the whistle of the train before seeing it round the bend as it sported its own holiday light finery. And more than all the old-time activities, the down-home friendly banter of the city’s residents (aka the employees!) gave us a glimpse into the kinder, gentler America that is our heritage. I guess you could say the Christmas spirit abounds all year round in this particular corner of the Ozarks.

Today, though, I’d like to invite you to step back even further into time for a taste of something far more satisfying than a Christmas light display. Go back if you will to the time and the place that our Savior was born.

Take time to read with fresh eyes, the Christmas story as recorded in Luke chapter 2. Experience Mary’s discomfort while traveling to Bethlehem at a point in her pregnancy when every step, every movement was an effort. Feel Joseph’s panic rising at the “No Vacancy” news proclaimed at every inn. Imagine that holy moment when the Savior of the world tumbled into the waiting hands of those he came to save. Feel the shock and fear of the shepherds turn to hesitant joy as their routine night watch was interrupted by a host of angels delivering the news of the ages. Run with them to Bethlehem and join them as they approach the manger where Jesus lay. Be inspired along with them to share the news of a Savior’s birth, and like Mary, take time to savor the wonder of it all. Take time to worship and adore. Be blessed, my friends, as you read:

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 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.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” Luke 2:1-20 KJV