Christmas is almost here...Tis' the season for busy days shopping for the perfect gift, stress-filled nights of wrapping in secret, and hoping the kids don't find out what you got them. Tis' the season for holiday tunes that may or may not drive us crazy, and rowdy kids at home until January. Tis' the season for unexpected tragedy and loss. Now you're probably thinking: tis' the season to be jolly, right? Unfortunately, this is a mere facade in our society. We don't intentionally focus on the negative aspects of Christmas, but amid the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, we get lost in the crowded stores, wrapping paper, and decorations. With this in mind, we forfeit the true meaning of Christmas. We fight the crowds, fight with each other, and fight to give the biggest and best gifts on Christmas morning. But none of that encompasses the Christmas spirit. It's not the bright lights that we enjoy looking at, not the Christmas trees in our living room, not the hot chocolate on a cold December night, not the presents underneath the tree. It's not even about our Christmas dinners.
Christmas is not about what we can give or how much it cost. It is about acknowledging the highest price that was paid for us and because of that, the hope that we can enjoy peace on earth. We have this amazing ability to give back to others because we have received the greatest gift of all-time: salvation. Christ's gift to us was eternal life. This gift didn't come wrapped in a bow. It came in swaddling clothes. It came with the sacrifice of His own life traded in for ours. It is up to us what we do with our ability to GIVE year-round. Christmas spirit is not about all the material things we associate it with. Although the lights and decorations are beautiful, we forget the Christmas story is not Saint Nicholas coming down the chimney with a bag full of toys. The Christmas story is a baby in a manger...the Son of God who came down in the form of man to save the world from their sins.
We sing songs with the theme it's the most wonderful time of the year. But if we are living out the true message of the holiday season, Christmas should not be the only wonderful time of the year. We should have a joy within our hearts that lasts all year long. Not the temporary joy that comes from receiving material possessions. Instead of joyful noises and a spirit of giving because we enjoy it, Christmas has become full of joyless noises and a spirit of giving out of obligation. The tradition of Christmas has, for so many years, been a gift exchange. Maybe we need to pause for a moment on this holiday season. Freeze the moment in time when you wake up on Christmas morning, expecting presents under the tree and family get-togethers. Imagine that none of that is there.
There are no presents, no tree, and no family dinners. Keep in mind, this is a reality for many people. Would you still be able to find joy on Christmas Day? This is a hard question to answer and the reason is because we take so many things in life for granted. If we would stop to appreciate what we have, rather than wanting more, we would find a true happiness that no one could steal from us. Most of us know the fictional story of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. He stole their decorations, presents, and everything for their Christmas dinner. He also wanted to stop them from singing. He tried to take away all the things he hated about Christmas. But he didn't accomplish his main goal: he hoped to steal their joy. There is an enemy of our soul and he is hoping to steal our joy each day of the year, especially during the holidays. If we would recognize Christmas isn't all about the presents, and keep the everlasting joy in our hearts, that is something no enemy could take away.
Now, here comes the wonderful part about the Christmas season. Tis' the season for days off work and plenty of time to spend with family and friends. Tis' the season to show your appreciation for those you love. Tis' the season to pull together and help someone in need. Tis' the season for nights illuminated by the beauty of Christmas lights. Tis' the season for baking special treats. Tis' the season for making memories. Tis' the season to be jolly...but make sure your joy doesn't come from the packages and bows, the bright lights, or Christmas dinners. If joy lives in your heart and you have family around you that you love so dearly, that should be all you need this holiday season. The presents are nice but the true meaning of Christmas is because of Jesus Christ. The price was paid for our sins and this is the real reason we give. In exchange for our sins, Christ gave us eternal life. No matter what type of gifts we give, nothing could match his sacrifice. But our symbol of exchanging gifts will mean more when we think about what we already have, and the real reason we are giving back.
Merry Christmas! May the true meaning of Christmas rest in your hearts this holiday season and every day of the year.
-Luke 2:11-12
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
