Perhaps you’ve heard people speak about the true meaning of Christmas. There are so many wonderful themes and meanings surrounding this special time of year. You’ve probably scrolled through any number of memes on your social media feeds, or received cards in the mail with reflective or declarative statements as to its meaning. But if you don’t mind, I’m going to take a stab at one. I “borrowed” the title for this post, but the thought has resonated in my heart and mind for many years:

Jesus . . . born within a stable in a manger . . . a dwelling and a feeding trough . . . a place where animals live and find a table from which to eat.

Christ . . . born within your innermost being . . . a dwelling and a table . . . the place of divine fellowship and where hunger has no place.

As you reflect on the meaning of Christmas, consider this: human flesh is holy ground. No stable of skin is more special or sacred than yours. Christmas is much more than gift giving, more than a sentimental story that we pass on through holiday traditions. It’s the unveiling, the unwrapping, of our true identity . . . Divine Love incarnated in humanity. This greatest of gifts was redeemed in Jesus. It is now revealed in you and in the face of the next person you meet. For the mystery of the gospel is this: Christ in you, the hope of glory! (Colossians 1:27)