By Crystal Young
We all know that Christmas is around the corner, in-fact some of us have already hung up our silly-Santa calendars and started counting down the days in great anticipation. This religious holiday is one of the biggest celebrated traditions in the world. However, do we stop to think about the real reason why we celebrate the birth of Christ each year?
Ironically, at most Christmas parties the person whose birthday we are celebrating is simply forgotten. Sometimes, the name ‘Jesus’ might be mentioned in the same sentence as Rudolph the red nosed reindeer along with a few other fictional characters.
Join me, on this marvellous journey; Let’s encounter December 25th in a brand-new way.
Christmas can be a season of great joy. It is a time of slowing down and sharing with others’ Gods gracious love, as He showed us how to love first!
The true meaning of Christmas is love.
John 3:16-17
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of this incredible act of love.
You see, Christmas is when family and friends come together to celebrate the birth of the Christ child. God sent His only Son, Jesus, into the world to be born. Shepherds, wise men and angels alike all shared in the excitement of knowing about this extraordinary event. The prophets had even boldly told of His coming centuries before. That exact evening a star stopped over Bethlehem, marking a heavenly map in the night sky for those who were looking for the Messianic baby.
Our traveling plans, summer diets, cookie cutters and memorandums can wait for a merry moment as we allow the Holy Spirit to remind each heart about the ‘true gift’ of Christmas.
Stop. Take a deep breath. Look around you, is there a need that you can fill?
Sadly, many of us have completely missed the mark as we run around in haste, ticking off tasks, not considering that for a great deal of individuals, Christmas can also be a time of intense sorrow. We neglect the fact that there are people all around us who do not have extra money to buy presents for their children, family or friends.
Then, there are also those who are heartbroken during this painful period, as they mourn the ones they have loved and lost, and will not be able to see for various reasons.
Family luncheons, luscious brunches and party punches may be only a wish and not a reality for a large majority of those less fortunate. I would like to encourage all my brothers and sisters in Christ, let us shine Gods love and be his hands and feet, let us give generously!
After all Jesus is the reason for the season!
