This time of year is supposed to be one of giving instead of receiving and family instead of fighting. However, it seems this most wonderful time of year has tragically become one that isn't focused on what its basis used to be. This used to be a time where we loved to give instead of receive, one where we were able to see family that we hadn't seen in far too long, and one where the wonders of God seem to show through even more. Consequently, more and more of this holiday season has been focused on "I," "me," or "mine." We want the newest iPhone or the clothes that everyoneelse is wearing, but why? Christmas has become too much about “what did you get?” instead of “what did you give?”

In today's society, we are consumed with self. It does not matter what other people need, or we feel as though we have something better to do that will benefit ourselves in the long run. We are so inherently preoccupied with writing out mile long Christmas lists of drones and sweaters that we haven't even stopped to think about what we are getting someone else. Instead of gathering around the fireplace and reminiscing on memories while drinking hot chocolate, we are often times counting the number of boxes with our name on them under the tree.

Too often we forget the reason for not just this season, but every single one. God sent his son to bleed and die so that one day we could be blessed beyond all measure, but what are we doing? Its as if at this time of year, our command to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). We somehow forget the reason we are able to even buy the gifts we wish to give or the reason the gifts we are receiving are under the tree. We forget the reason the fire in the fireplace continues to burn or the reason we are able to sleep in comfort.

This holiday season has especially hit me hard. I have been with my family for eighteen years, but this is the first time that I can only see them on the weekends every so often, and I took them for granted. For eighteen years I took their presence for granted as well as the holiday season. So, as we all go home for six weeks, let us not forget that this is more than a break, this is more than six weeks of little to no homework, and this is more than getting to live in a house instead of a room. This is six weeks to spend hugging, loving, and cherishing family. This is six weeks to spending growing, praying, and studying God’s word. This is six weeks to spend giving, laughing, and smiling.This is the most wonderful time of the year, so lets stop the stress and enjoy the moment--none are promised--and we never know how many we have left.