Introduction
“Adornaments” It started as something I did with my children when they were growing up. The “adornaments” reading and ornament were a way to help them/us focus on the true meaning of Christmas amidst all the presents and lights of the seasons. 30+ years later and it is still a treasured part of our Christmas. For us, it has evolved through the years – from the 12 days leading up to Christmas to the 12 days after Christmas – leading to the Epiphany [əˈpifənē]1
- 1The manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi (Matthew 2:1–12) and the celebration commemorating the Epiphany on January 6.
My hope is that by sharing these 12 adornaments over the next 12 days – together we can enter the new year with a fresh awareness of JESUS beyond the manger. Each day we will be focusing on a different name of Christ leading us to understand – or perhaps just reminding us – who He is and why we should truly adore Him not just at Christmas but throughout the year.
Me – from the Insideout 
Day 1: Scripture – Matthew 1:23; Name of Jesus – Immanuel; Ornament – Baby in a manger
On this first day of Christmas I remember God, my One True Love, from the depth of His goodness gave to me a Savior – who is Jesus Christ the Lord! Born as a baby in a manger – God in the flesh – He came to save His people from their sins.
21 And she will have a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through His prophet:
23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
She will give birth to a son,
and they will call Him Immanuel,
which means ‘God is with us.’”
Matthew 1:21-23
John 3:16 proclaims the reason for this gift was because – God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son, so that whoever believes Him would not perish but have everlasting life. Why such a lavish gift? Because God loves with an amazingly lavish love! He knew we were sinners, unable to keep the law, unable to save ourselves, and by His standards deserving of death. Yet, as with Barabbas we were set FREE and Christ was sent to the cross – crucified for my sins – making a way for me to have a relationship and everlasting life with God – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
1 John 4:9-10