Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday (I also love Fourth of July, but I REALLY love Christmas), but sometimes I find myself forgetting what the holiday is actually about. Everyone gets caught up in shopping, presents, cooking baking, gingerbread house making, and tree decorating (wow that rhymed). I’m guilty of it too. But let’s not forget…
Jesus is the reason for the season.
Now I know nowadays that one word is such a taboo, but I don’t understand why. Society has commercialized His holiday. A day that was once spent celebrating the birth of our savior in a manger, is now about how many deals you can score at the mall. Why can’t we rewind a little and focus on what’s really important? Him. That little baby that is the reason we are celebrating.
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14
When I was growing up, one thing my family always did was get a birthday cake for Christmas Day. The funny thing is, no on on my family was born on, or even remotely around, Christmas. But, we got this cake that said “Happy Birthday Jesus” on the top. That tradition faded away a few years ago. But it was always for Him.
People get so offended when I say “Merry Christmas.” That’s just always what I have said. It’s not me trying to push my religion or beliefs, it’s just kind of automatic. I'm not trying to be rude or egocentric. If I am blatantly aware that you don’t celebrate the same holiday I do, I would never say it. I would wish you either “Happy Holidays” or a “Happy *insert holiday here,*” if I knew what you celebrated.
Everyone seems to rushed or in a hurry this time of year. I think we need to slow down and look around. Stop and enjoy O Holy Night playing in the mall as you buy that sweater for your mom. Or turn off the tv, put down the phones, and talk with friends and family by the fire. Decelerate the frantics and remember why this time of year is so special. Love, family, friends, Jesus, and God.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and goodwill toward men.” Luke 2:14
One of my favorite moments during Christmas is Christmas Eve service. The church is heavy with parents, grandparents, children, boyfriends, girlfriends, other family and friends. The sermon is always the best of the entire year. And then the church falls quiet and dark. Candles are lit and Silent Night begins. Now matter how good or bad of a singer everyone is, every person in the church sings along.
So as the Christmas (and holiday season) goes into full swing, remember why this time of the year is so special. The little baby in the manger, our savior. Jesus is, and always has been, the reason for the season.
“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” John 5:11
