This year, it seems Christmas has suddenly popped into our lives. Retailers wasted no time putting out Christmas displays after Halloween, and even grocery stores had us wondering if Thanksgiving was happening this year or not. Because suddenly:

After the whirlwind seasonal change, we are left to find our Christmas spirit, a bit disoriented. Some find it easily...

...even if they do seem to have some creepy sort of Christmas obsession. Others struggle a bit more.

Often, the majority of us fall somewhere in the middle, where we strive to be appropriately cheerful at all times but have unrealistic expectations of a magical Christmas that instantly fixes all the problems in our lives - and fake smiles when these expectations aren't met.

All of which generally leads to a Christmas spirit where we wish people a Merry Christmas without meaning it, going through the motions to achieve our desired outcome (like if I buy you a really awesome Christmas gift, so you'll feel guilty and get me one, too).

Then, what is Christmas spirit really? If it isn't just some sort of warm, fuzzy feeling we can manufacture in ourselves this time of year, maybe it's the love we feel for our family, then?

So say all the movies. But what about those who have no family, or friends? What about when there are problems in families that cannot be resolved? What about a Christmas that's plagued with cancer, hospice, or tragedy? We can't solely depend on family for Christmas spirit. But maybe, the Christmas spirit isn't so much what you have, or don't; who you spend Christmas with, or can't; or even how generous you are, or aren't. Maybe...

...it's the way we approach the world. Christmas spirit can be more accurately described as "Christian spirit" - the response to God dwelling among us to save us from ourselves. In this light, no wonder Christmas is a time of generosity, of self-sacrifice, and brotherly love. These are all attributes we are called to as Christians and they flow naturally out of our love for God. But during the Christmas season almost everyone experiences the love, joy, and peace with us - often without realizing what they're doing. Really, they are glimpsing the joy, love, and peace of God and His people firsthand. Joy, love, and peace that can survive even when things don't go according to plan...

Or when Christmas isn't perfect...

And all year long.

So if you're not feeling the lights, the shopping, or the crazy Christmas sweaters this year - don't sweat it. Christmas spirit doesn't stem from those things anyway. But I do hope that you are reflecting on the constant love, mercy, and grace of God in sending His Son to die for us, and in adopting us into His family, because that's true Christmas spirit.

Warning: Side effects of true Christmas spirit may cause feelings of brotherly love, joy, and abundant generosity; these feelings may lead to singing, jolly laughter, and random acts of kindness.