Who’s Coming to Town?

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father,

full of grace and truth.”

John 1: 14

According to news reports, holiday travelers can expect long lines and full capacity planes due to fewer flights. For some, holiday travel means turnpikes, traffic and tolls. If you’re heading home, you know that the  smiles and hugs overcome any travel frustration. Sitting around the dinner table with traditional foods, conversation and reminiscing are worth every mile. When friends and family come to town, there’s excitement in the air.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus went places too.  He ate in homes, sometimes to the criticism of others. He traveled and called men to change careers and .follow Him. He taught with conviction and love. Yes, whenever Jesus came to town, something happened. He made a difference.

     Jesus traveled to a wedding and turned water into wine.

         He traveled to Samaria and offered a woman, an outcast, living water.

              He traveled to a pool in Jerusalem and healed an invalid.

                        He crossed the Sea of Galilee and fed 5,000 with a few

                        fish and bread.

                                    He traveled to Bethany and raised Lazarus from the dead.

                                                He traveled to a garden and prayed to His Father.

                                                         He traveled to a cross, suffered and died.

                                                                He was buried but left a tomb alive!

Jesus, the ultimate traveler, humbly left the glory of heaven and came to earth for us. In the middle of holiday advertisements and festivities, can we stop and remember that Jesus has come to town—that our celebration is all about Him?

Reflection: How have His grace and truth made a difference in your life? Can you travel to tell someone?

 Peppermint Bark

This Christmas confection travels well. The pieces randomly fit into any container for a “sweet” hostess gift when you travel to someone’s home.

12 oz. white chocolate

1/3 cup crushed candy canes (about 6)

Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper and set aside.

Melt chocolate over double boiler. Add candy cane pieces and stir well. Pour and spread on waxed paper. Refrigerate for an hour or until hard. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.