Pastor Tommy Nelson, of Denton Bible Church in Texas, gave a sermon to his church for Christmas, 1988, entitled “Jesus’ View of Christmas.” The text for this powerful sermon was an unlikely one . . . Luke 11:21-26. Those verses are several chapters away from the traditional Christmas story which we all know and love, Luke 2:1-20: “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed . . . “ I was intrigued. How could verses about Jesus and Satan give us a message for Christmas?

We all love the drama and richness of the Christmas story—the tenderness and devotion of Mary & Joseph, God’s revelation of the new king through humble shepherds and rich wise men, and the innocence of baby Jesus contrasted against the coldness of the innkeeper and the scheming and jealousy of Herod. And this is certainly the season for beautiful nativity sets, living manger scenes, and children’s Christmas pageants—all picturing the incarnation of Jesus. But there is so much more to the story—there is deeper meaning to Christmas.

Our family has a tradition of gathering around the Thanksgiving table and beginning our time together by sharing one thing that we’re grateful for that year. And so it goes— around the table with everyone adding their deep thoughts or silly remembrances from the past 12 months. Through the years I remember such blessings being voiced as new babies, surviving moves, finding new jobs, getting over illnesses, new marriages, interesting vacations, finishing up educational goals, new cars, new pets, etc. Recently we were with a large group of military couples—all ranks and branches— where every couple in the room offered one thing for which they were grateful . . .