Christmas 2011 has arrived and I’m one happy mother. Our kids, their pets and friends are joining us and the busyness brings me utter happiness.

This year I set up a collection of nativity scenes along the tops of my kitchen cabinets and with all the time I’ve spent cooking I’ve looked up often, giving thought to the people of ancient Israel and what their lives must have been like. Forever, it seemed, they had been waiting for their Messiah. He had been promised in the scriptures and they desperately needed him, as the political scenery was nearly unbearable for most people. The Roman government occupied their sacred city of Jerusalem, taxed them beyond reason and kept physical order using legions of Roman guards and soldiers.

While the general citizenry played by Roman rules, Jewish underground guerrillas, known as Zealots, frequently confronted the soldiers at night. This unrest, under the cloak of darkness, must have troubled Jewish mothers and fathers trying to create atmospheres of safety and peace in their homes. Over time the Messiah was viewed as a political player who would rise and deliver his people from the oppressors.

It is here that language plays a fascinating and important role in our understanding today. “God” in the Hebrew scriptures (today’s Old Testament in the Bible) is Yahweh. It means, “The Holy One of Israel” and is considered so holy and sacred that a practicing Jew would never have uttered God’s name out loud. The term, “holy” in Hebrew is “kakosh” and it means, “That which is far above (man and woman), distant and beyond our understanding.” The term “of Israel” means, “Right here in town.” In other words, “The distant, holy one is here in town, with us, always.”

The language and imagery of the Christmas story is what touches me deeply, stirring my heart in a soulful way that is quiet and private, even while the energy and activity increases as each family member walks through the door to join the growing crowd. The Messiah, called “Emmanuel” later in the Bible, and translated “God with us” continues to stir the hearts of modern believers like me, asking us to look past the seasonal hubbub and respond with trust and wonder—not just in our words but in tangible ways as we live our daily lives.

God came to town two millennia ago. He came not only for the Jewish people but for all people, for all time. He came to demonstrate peace and hope and to give us life eternal. Tomorrow morning I watch with pleasure as the kids open their gifts and enjoy our traditional Christmas morning brunch foods. Tonight I will participate in a Christmas Eve service, giving voice to my need for a few moments of sacredness and holiness.

There are churches all over town offering such celebrations and you are welcome at them all. You won’t stand out, as there will be many visiting friends and family members. Joy and candlelight, music and warm greetings await.