Is it the Christmas season already? Above is the Greek word for "Christmas." There's no particular reason why I chose to use the Greek word, other than I thought it was cool-looking :) Another year has rolled on by and there are so many exciting things to do! Christmas means different things for people. It’s easy to get caught up in the parties, banquets, shopping, eating, and bunches of fun… Despite of the busyness during this time of the year, we need to remember the significance of this season. And that is…Jesus Christ! It is ironic to celebrate through the comforts of this holiday season, while Jesus was born in a place where most of us would not even consider. He was born away from home after Mary and Joseph had traveled many restless miles wandering through the nature of this world. Jesus wasn’t born in a hospital or even in a secure warm environment. He was born in a barn. I imagine that the barn wasn’t as clean as one would think. What about personal hygiene that most of us are so obsessed about these days? This was the last of Mary and Joseph’s worries because a Savior would be born and has come to redeem the world. Do you think the life of Jesus was ever comfortable? I doubt it. Jesus took his public ministry out into the world. He spent very little time at home. He roamed through the roads, mountains, hills, water, and towns to spread his love and the gospel. Finally, he accepted the blame and took up his own cross for the burden of EVERYONE’S sins. Why did he do that? So that we may have hope and everlasting life!
Let this season be a time of reflection, thankfulness, and celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. We cannot really celebrate Christmas or the New Year if we are slaves to sin. Materialism, money, and artificial pleasure easily entangle us and crowding out Christ of Christmas. Be careful in getting too busy for Jesus. Take in consideration what the message means to all of us. I must admit that I get excited every year that Christmas comes around. I love spending time with my family during this holiday season. We have our own traditions and celebrations. When I discovered that Christmas Day was going to be different for my family this year…I was disappointed. I’ve come to realize that I truly enjoy the traditions that I have every year, but it doesn’t change the true meaning of Christmas. I shouldn’t be disappointed because there is one thing that never changes…that’s Jesus Christ! Praise the Lord!
A couple of days ago another leader and I hosted a Christmas party for the kids that lives in the dorms here at school during the week. We felt that it would be great to spend some time with the teens. We did everything we could to make it the best party for the teens, but what it really mattered is that we spent time with them like Jesus spent time with the little children. Matthew 19:14-15, “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.’” I was so exhausted when the night was over! I spent a lot of time preparing, cooking, organizing games, leading games, and playing basketball with the teens. Oh, yeah…when all of that was over, cleaning up all the mess! It was a wonderful night of fun and celebration. My prayer is that I hope these teens will remember the night not because of all the fun they had and the good foods that they ate, but to also remember that they had caring people there in their lives that were willing to sacrifice their own time to be with them. This Christmas season wasn't the only time I spend time with the teens, but it was an opportunity and a privilege.
So, really…it doesn’t matter how Christmas is celebrated this year because there are many ways to demonstrate God’s love for the world in our own lives. Let this Christmas season be the beginning of your new life wherever you stand in your relationship with the Lord. Everyday can be a Christmas Day for you and that is what God desires from us! I hope you don’t get too wrapped up around the things of the holiday season. Rather, I hope you will understand that the Christmas message tells us that God’s grace is greater than us more than we can ever know. For this Christmas, the best gift you can give to the Lord is to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. Give Him the gift that He wants – your heart, soul, and life! It’s not too late! I hope that you will celebrate Jesus everyday for the rest of your life and extend that love unto other people.
God Bless you during this holiday season!
