While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born. . . .

— Luke 2:6

Christmas has a way of sneaking up on us, especially if our schedules are full. For many of us in North America and other places, there are parties to attend, decorations to put up, presents to purchase, carols to sing. In such a busy time, Christmas Day can seem to come and go quickly, and it can seem that we have barely enough time to notice.Luke describes the birth of Jesus in very simple terms. It’s worth noting that he spends five verses describing the timing of Jesus’ birth, and only two verses on the birth itself. “The time came for the baby to be born,” writes Luke, “and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.”When the Lord comes to us at Christmas, he comes into the ordinary events of life. We might have grand expectations, but Christ comes in simplicity. Luke may talk of emperors and world powers, but when God’s Son comes to live among us, we see a manger in a cattle stall, cloths, and a baby.Maybe it’s good that Christmas can sneak up on us, because we need it to shape and transform the rest of our lives. It doesn’t take a special day or event to invite Christ into our lives. He comes simply because it’s time.Are you watching for him today?

Lord Jesus, we live in a busy world. Thank you that Christmas does not depend on our timing, but that you step into our lives when the time is right. Help us to receive you. Amen.