Christmas means different things to different people. If I drew a word bubble, it would include words like gifts, lights, stress, debt, fuzzy feelings, depression, joy, family, family drama, Die Hard, loneliness, Hallmark movies, and, of course, Jesus. It’s a lot, and Jesus—the true meaning of Christmas—often gets crowded out by all the busyness.
Yet our faith continues to call and challenge us to be different. Part of that difference is living a life that focuses on and values the spiritual over the material and never loses sight of what truly matters.
So, this Christmas, we turn our eyes once again towards Christ and remember that:
- God sent us the most beautiful gift of all, his son Jesus. What child is this!
- God came to us and is with us; we are not alone in the world. Emmanuel!
- God loves us, so we have nothing to fear. Joy to the world!
- God wants us to know and worship him. O’ Come all ye faithful!
- God wants us to tell everyone the good news. Go tell it on the mountain!
I hope you receive beautiful and special gifts this Christmas. But most of all, I hope you remember that you have already received the most precious one of all.
Merry Christmas!