Come with me to a distant land to a time over 2,000 years ago.  Let us imagine the sights and sounds as we go along the way.  The greatest thing of all is that we'll see a King in all His beauty and glory. 

Come and see an angel named Gabriel as he stands before a virgin girl named Mary.  Listen to Gabriel’s words as he relays a message that she has found favor with God and will bear a Child who will be the Son of the Most High.  Hear her heartfelt words as she says, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”  (Luke 1:26-38)  

Come and see Joseph who is betrothed to Mary as he questions her story about the Child conceived and is tempted to put her away quietly.  Observe him as he lies sleeping and as an angel of the Lord appears to him in a dream with a message, “Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife.  What is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.”  Envision Joseph as he awakens and obediently gets up and takes Mary home as his wife.  (Mt. 1:18-25)

Come and imagine in your mind an ordinary stable. Visualize the oxen, sheep, donkeys and goats.  Can you hear their soft mews?  Notice how they look in bewilderment upon the strangers who have taken up lodging among them because there was no room for them in the inn.  Peer over into a straw-filled manger and into the beautiful flawless face of a sleeping baby boy dressed in swaddling clothes that has just been born. (Luke 2:4-7) 

Come and see shepherds as they watch their sheep by night outside the sleepy little town of Bethlehem.  Can you imagine the dazzling light as angels appear before them proclaiming the good news of the birth of their Savior, Christ the Lord?  Hear their angelic voices singing from out of heaven, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Watch as the shepherds scurry into town looking for the Child.  (Luke 2:8-20)

Come and see shepherds as they make their way into a lowly stable. Envision each of them as he kneels before the tiny spotless Lamb of God in worship.  Hear their exhilarating words as they express to Mary and Joseph all they had seen and heard in the field.  Listen as they praise God for the long-awaited promise of their Messiah has finally come to pass this very night. (Luke 2:16-20)    

Come and see Magi guided by a star from the east in search of the King of the Jews so they can worship Him.  Behold the star as it stops over the place where the Christ child is.  Watch as they enter the house and fall down in worship of the little King Jesus.  Look now as gifts of pure gold, frankincense and myrrh are presented to their little Lord Jesus. (Matt. 2:1-12)

And now, imagine that you are actually there among the sights and smells, which have no resemblance at all to royalty.  Bow your knees right there in the hay.  Kneel before the Lord Jesus in reverence as you think of the wonder of this miracle.  Close your eyes now and worship your Savior, the One who loves you more than life itself. Worship the One who cares more about you than you will ever know, the One who was born to die.  Can you feel His presence hovering down upon you?  Your long-awaited Messiah has come, God’s Gift to the world.  He left heaven for you, and for you He came.  Come and adore Him, Christ the Lord.  Worship at the feet of your Savior who is worthy of praise and adoration. Come and see the beauty of the King.

Prayer:  Father, today we come to worship Your Son who came to save us from our sins, Jesus, the Messiah.  We worship and adore Him who is beyond compare.  He is the very One who loved us enough to leave heaven in all its majesty because He knew we needed a Savior and were lost and helpless.  Thank You for sending Him to us.  Thank You for being the Father that You truly are to us.  Thank You for always thinking of Your children who are desperate for help because we are all like sheep going astray.  Help each hurting heart this day.  Many are looking for a Savior.  Help them to come and see where they can find Him.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen