Christmas time is an exciting season for everyone, and if you’re anything like me, you love everything about it. The music is magical, the lights are entrancing, and who doesn’t love exchanging gifts? While it’s easy to get wrapped up in all of the glittering aspects of Christmas, there are a few things we all need to make sure we don’t forget.
To spend time with loved ones.
Christmas is a great excuse to spend as much time as you want with everyone you hold near and dear to your heart. Don’t get so wrapped up in yourself that you miss out on the moments with your family and friends that you’ll remember for years to come.
Relaxing.
Don’t wear yourself out this year. Remember to take a deep breath and get in some rest and relaxation. Enjoy the quiet moments you have to spend time with Jesus.
Presents for family and friends.
I’m not just saying this: it’s the thought that counts. A handmade card or cookies that you've made are just as, if not more, acceptable than a gift you spent a lot of money on. Just show them that you love them and care about them.
Giving is better than receiving.
I know that we all love getting presents, but remember that it's what you are willing to give away that defines who you are. Having a generous heart shows the love of Christ inside of you emanating to others.
To reconnect with old friends.
Is there a better time to contact an old friend? Make sure you tell them you were thinking about them and wishing them well.
That others are hurting.
Christmas time is a happy time, but for many, it is also a time of sadness as they mourn the loss of a loved one and are having to do the holiday season without them this year. Be sensitive to others.
The people who have less than you.
Once again, this is the season for giving. Give to other people that aren’t just your friends and family. There are people who are in want. What better way to spread Christmas cheer than with giving to those in need?
The reason for the season.
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the LORD.” Luke 2:11.
I know a lot of people always like to say, “Well, Jesus probably wasn’t actually born on this day.” They use this as an excuse to be self-absorbed during the holidays. Here’s the thing: it’s not about whether or not baby Jesus was actually born on this day. It’s about spending a day celebrating the fact that he was ever born.
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14.
The creator of the universe. The one who breathed the stars into existence, He became flesh and walked among us. If you’re wondering just how powerful He truly is, here’s one of my very favorite Bible verses.
“When He thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth. He sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from His storehouses.” Jeremiah 51:16.
He brings out the wind from His storehouses. That concept blows my mind. And He, Jesus Christ, gave up infinite power and majesty and became a lowly human. A human baby that was born of a virgin in a barn, no less. It blows my mind. He was born with one purpose -- so that He could die to take away our sins.
So, yes, this Christmas season eat cookies and go look at Christmas lights. Snuggle up in your most comfortable socks and drink hot chocolate next to a fire, but never forget the true giving nature of the season that was instilled in us when Jesus Christ gave His life for us and was later raised from the grave so that we may live with Him in eternity.
"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than receive.'" Acts 20:35.
