'It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like ….'

I suspect it’s impossible to read the headline above without hearing the melody that accompanies it in their minds. Certainly, it’s from a traditional and very popular Christmas song.

I didn’t write that headline because it’s from my favorite Christmas song. Actually, I doubt seriously that any of you could guess what my favorite song is to sing during this wonderful time of year. More about that later.

The words in that headline came to mind as I thought about the reality of the nativity. Humor me here.

Sing (out loud or just mentally) the entire first line of that song, then think about what those words always seem to bring to mind for you. What DOES “a lot like Christmas” really look like to you? If you could have that “perfect Christmas look” this year – say from Dec. 24 through Dec. 26 – what would those days entail?

Here, I’d want some snow – and a new or near-new moon in clear night skies so the stars would shine through. I’d want it cold – not just chilly – but with no wind. Days also would have clear skies with sun – but still cold enough to not melt the snow.

Some folks would prefer to be on a Florida – or Caribbean or Hawaiian – beach, with all those places provide in a Christmastime look.

Here’s the problem – none of it REALLY looks like what we celebrate on Dec. 25.

Did you ever wonder what the weather actually was like for Mary, when she went into labor, and Joseph, her husband? I have – but only recently, I confess. And I did a little research. It’s not very historical, but it makes a point.

I doubt that weather patterns in the West Bank Region have changed really significantly, even through it’s been more than 2,000 years. Maybe average temperatures have fluctuated a few degrees – but I doubt it’s been more than a few.

Like I said earlier … humor me. Agree that Christmas in the West Bank, in recent years, has come with the same kind of weather Mary and Joseph found as they arrived for the census – and the birth of our Savior.

The low in Bethlehem on Dec. 25, 2012, was 41 degrees; the high was 55. Given that temperature range and the geography of the region – do you really believe Bethlehem looked ANYTHING like we imagine when we contemplate the thought that it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas?

Why is that important … truly important? For me, it’s so because that truth related to my favorite song this season. When it comes to traditional carols/hymns/Christmas songs, “Silent Night” is No. 1 on my hit parade. But even IT is not my favorite song now. I suppose it’s my second-favorite.

Care to guess? Anyone?

I dare say few have ever considered it a “Christmas song,” which is a little sad. And it’s only got six distinctive words – although we repeat two of them four times, and another two three times.

One more time … care to guess? Anyone? Ready to hear it?

Happy Birthday to You

Happy Birthday to You

Happy Birthday Dear Jesus

Happy Birthday to You

Never forget – if the Son of God had never become the Son of Man, we wouldn’t have Christmas and all the “stuff” that has become associated with it.

We also wouldn’t have Mercy and the promise of Heaven.

Start a new tradition. Make a “birthday cake” as one of your holiday deserts, and sing the little song above in front of it – and a nativity scene.