---

This festive season brings to mind a little story.
A wealthy couple was holding an elegant christening party for their first born child.
As a steady stream of visitors arrived at the mansion, they were greeted by the host and hostess. The couple became overwhelmed by their guests' fine appearances -- exclaiming over the opulent attire, jewelry, hair styles, and even the curled mustaches that adorned members of the party.
Finding the overworked butler not readily available to take their wraps, many of the guests quickly deposited theirs in a side room and joined the others in the drawing room. For several hours, they toasted elaborately, growing ever merrier.
They presented exquisite gifts, each one trying to outdo the others. The gifts piled up and although there was much excitement as each one was opened, it was quickly forgotten as the group's attention moved hungrily on to the next.
When it eventually came time for the christening ceremony, everyone was almost surprised to remember that a simple babe was intended to be the focus of this occasion.
But the infant was nowhere to be found.
"Where is the baby?" they cried in alarm, searching frantically through the house. They joined the sobbing nanny who was hunting futilely through the many rooms. Then someone vaguely recalled having seen a child earlier, lying on a bed.
They discovered the meant-to-be honored one sleeping at the bottom of a pile of coats, hidden and almost smothered under the weight of velvet and furs. His tiny presence was not perceived by the person who placed the first coat, and as others carelessly did the same, he was increasingly obscured.
In much the same way, the true meaning of Christmas can easily be buried by all the hectic busyness of the season. Overshadowed by sparkling gifts and glitter, it can all but disappear from our celebration of Christmas.
In our own homes, does the news of His coming continue to be a part of our holiday decorating and customs?
Or do we also need to occasionally ask ourselves, "Where is the baby?"