Merry Christmas...
Christmas is here! Do you have your list? Are you checking it twice? Wrapping paper and rolls of tape, candy canes and chocolate treats, stockings and Christmas trees, and shopping bags that are full, with boxes and ribbons to adorn the thrill! Christmas is here, so let’s switch on the lights and invite Santa’s cheer!
We can easily set the stage for the Christmas celebration, doing all the classic Christmas activities like baking cookies, buying presents, and arranging our schedules around the many holiday parties and cookie swaps, but somewhere in the midst of the commotion, we lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be exhausting and overwhelming but it can also be AWE-INSPIRING! Have you ever sat back to wonder what really makes Christmas feel like Christmas?
Scripture teaches us that Christmas is a time when God is showing His abundant love for us by sending His Son, Jesus into the world to be born. Christmas can be a time of great joy, renewed strength, and great healing. Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of the Christ child who brought great joy to the world.
Jesus brought many gifts to the world to include: Love, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control, Forgiveness, Humility, Fairness, Courage, Friendship, Honesty and Truthfulness, Generosity, Confidence, Gratitude, and Encouragement.
Instinctively, we know that these are the qualities we should recognize during our bountiful holiday celebrations. During this hectic holiday season and through-out the New Year take the time to find examples of Christ’s love in the people and situations around you.
When I take a closer look at my own life I can see the Christ-like qualities gifted to me through my family, and all of the friends that touch my life. I can see Christ through my daughters, in every instance, in every good morning kiss, in every hug and in every smile. I can see Christ in my friends and family who listen so generously and patiently to my woes and answer my calls at all hours of the night. I can see Christ-like qualities of humility and forgiveness in all of my friends that walk this journey of life with me so truthfully and gently.
None of this is to say that we should put a kibosh on all of our traditional holiday celebrations. It is simply to encourage us to remember that the true meaning of Christmas is Christ’s love, and to let that knowledge and that love influence us throughout the season.
So as you enjoy the holiday parties, the Secret Santas, and the decadent dessert trays, remember that behind each gift, hug, and warm smile this season, there is the warmth, kindness, and love of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior!
Merry Christmas!
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