What if every day we cherished our family and gave thanks
and glory to God?
Would our outlook on life be different? Would we have more
joy? Would we complain less?
What would the world look like if we lived like every day
was a special day, like Christmas?
These are questions I have been pondering today. Because it
seems to me that we hype up this one day, and when it’s over many of us are
left feeling somewhat empty.
It’s time for us, as Christians, to get back to the basics
of what Christmas really means.
The four of us, who make up my family, have stopped giving gifts
to each other. This year we are going on a mini vacation instead; to spend time
together and make precious memories.
Isn’t that what Christmas is about; spending time with those
we love, celebrating the birth of our Savior?
Don’t get me wrong, giving gifts is definitely not a bad
thing, but it should NOT be our main focus.
So, why do we really celebrate Christmas?
Has Santa become more important than Jesus? Perhaps in today’s
society he has.
It seems to me that a lot of the worldly things done during
this time of year are meaningless. I definitely understand where Solomon was
coming from in Ecclesiastes 1:2.
“Meaningless!
Meaningless!”
says the Teacher.
“Utterly meaningless!
Everything is meaningless.”
says the Teacher.
“Utterly meaningless!
Everything is meaningless.”
But what really matters? What counts in
this life? What are we to do, as Christians?
I guess I am just thinking out loud, or on
paper, rather.
What do I know that’s true?
God came down to earth as a baby, born of a
virgin. He grew up and died for my sins to save me.
“For God so loved
the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall
not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
He loves me unconditionally.
He will never leave me or forsake me.
“Be strong and
courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
He has called us to tell others about Him
and be His hands and feet to a hurting and sinful world.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have
commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20
There are a lot more things to be added to
this list, but I believe these are some of the main ones. But I would love to
hear what other people know to be true in their lives.
As for me and my house, we will serve the
Lord. (Joshua 24:15) We are choosing to put our focus on God and the true
meaning of Christmas and not get caught up in the commercialized holiday that
it has become.
So I hope that my point came across clearly.
Don’t forget that Jesus is the reason for the season. Let’s try to live like
every day is Christmas; to enjoy the simple things in life, to give God all the
glory, and to wake up each morning expecting something amazing!
