Christmas was born in the mind of God. We have taken Christmnas out of the hands of God and put it into the hands of man. For many, it has become a day to which we look forward because it means a day off work, a vacation from school, and a chance to visit relatives. I love these things as much as anyone, but do we come to the point in all of our coming and going and celebrating that we are like the little girl who looked at the decorated tree and all of the presents under it and asked, "Where does God fit into all of this?"
The reason for Christmas is that God loves us so much that He became one of us. The wonder of it all. What is our response at Christmas? The angels announced it, the spontaneous song of Joy rang out. The shepherds went to Him. What will be our response?
Will this Christmas be just another holiday, or a Holy Day? In this day of overwhelming problems--crime, inflation, unemployment, personal issues-- our world needs hope. And pardon me, but Santa Clause just cannot supply that hope. But Jesus does. God cared that we have Christmas. He cared so much about us that He did something for us that no one else could do. He sent His only Son who was willing to be born to die for us. Can we break out of our self-containment to reach out to others in love? Not because it makes us feel good, but love others as He loved us--a love undeserved, unrestrained.
We so often hear, "What did you get for Christmas?" We rarely hear anyone ask, "What did you give for Christmas? This year when people ask you, "What did you get?" What better opening line for you to share with them what God gave you. Let me tell you about the best gift I have ever received. God gave me eternal life through His Son, Jesus.
Merry Christmas.
