As a christian one of my biggest pet peeves around this time of the year is when I see "X-mas". I'm sorry WHAT?!!?! NO! It is CHRISTmas, the word Christ is in there for a reason. I know that it is so easy to get caught up in all the mayhem that comes around the holiday season that we often forget the real meaning as to why we are celebrating Christmas. But without Jesus we would not have this beautiful holiday to enjoy. As Christians it is important to remember the purpose in celebrating this day, it is simply Jesus' birthday.
Growing up my mom always made sure that we understood that it is not just about the gifts under the tree, it is more importantly about the nativity that is under our tree, and how truly blessed we are for all that we have in our lives. Christmas day is the day that the Virgin Mary gave birth to the son of God who was to be named Jesus. It is because of this little boy that we have something so special to celebrate.The weeks leading up to Christmas are to more than just pushing and shoving your way through the mall, they are meant to be the preparation days of rejoicing and celebrating the birth of Jesus.
Many of the holiday traditions that we take part of we do out of habit, and we often don't know or don't seam to remember the meaning behind them. Take the candy cane for example, it is more then just a sweet delicious treat that you eat during the Christmas season. It is in the shape that it is because it is to be a reminder of a shepherds staff who came to visit Jesus in Bethlehem and is also the shape of a "J" for Jesus. The original red and white colors are to symbolize the blood that he shed and the white is for his purity. So why is it in todays day and age we so easily seam to forget about the little boy born in a manger, but we can remember the lights and gifts for our loved one. Jesus was willing to die on the cross for our sins and we sometimes fail to remember that he is the true reason as to why were are all gathered together to celebrate one day out of the year.
Todays world is often overwhelmed with the chaos of shopping and making sure that everything is perfect for the family to come over, when all we really need to remember is Jesus, he is the reason. So this Christmas season I urge you to take a step back from the malls and the latest toys and gadgets and take a moment to remember Jesus and how truly blessed we all are.
With all the sad news that has been happening lately I can't think of a better time to stop from all your Christmas planning and shopping and give back. Go donate some toys to a local organization, or feed a meal at a soup kitchen, do something this holiday season for someone else. Because Jesus was born to save us from our sins and bring us to eternal life. And we as christians are called to be followers and examples of Jesus Christ and that is NOT about getting the latest iPhone, it's about giving back to others just as he did for us. So may you all have a blessed Christmas season filling your hearts with the love and joy of the Lord, and remembering that he is the reason for the season.
