The Christmas
season is almost upon us, and a recent survey found that 74% of the respondents
said that they feel better when they are preparing for Christmas. This means that Christmas is better for your
mental health. In another survey some
76% of those surveyed found said that it was better to give than receive. In fact, they enjoyed looking for gifts for
others. I think Ebenezer Scrooge said it
best in the story of the Christmas Carol, he said, “It is the one time of the
year when people open up their shut up hearts.”
Christmas of
course it not about the tinsel, trees, light and carols. It is the beginning of the greatest story
ever told. Christmas is about the birth
of Jesus Christ. He is the reason for
the season. We all love the story of
Mary and Joseph having the baby in a stable.
Jesus being wrapped in swaddling cloths and placed in a manger. How the angel of the Lord came to the
shepherds while they were in the field announcing Jesus’ birth. Then the shepherds go and see the baby and
tell Mary and Joseph about what they had seen and heard. Later on, they are visited by the wise men
who had followed the star where Jesus was.
They give the child Jesus, their presents of gold, frankincense, and
myrrh.
We all have
wonderful memories of growing up and enjoying the friendship, family, and
hospitality which is Christmas. We have
four children, and our tradition was to watch the Grinch who stole Christmas on
Christmas Eve and then see who could make the best Grinch face. I never won but often my family told me that
the face I made looked like I had constipation.
Sorry for that analogy to all our sensitive readers. On Christmas morning we would read the story
of Christ’s birth from the gospels of Matthew and Luke, then pray and open our
gifts. To me I wanted my family to know
that Christmas was the beginning of the greatest story ever told. It has always been my aim to keep Christ in
Christmas.
Which brings
me to a couple of thoughts. First, as
you approach this holiday season remember it is about peace on earth and good
will to all people. Next, remember to
share it with others. There are many
people who do not have the blessings we have.
I remember reading a caption on social media which stated, “Never
complain about your life in Canada, there are billions around the world who
would gladly take your place.” So, at
this time of year do something powerful and impactful to help others. If you know someone who is alone at Christmas
invite them to your house for dinner and friendship. Volunteer for one of the many organizations
that work to help others. Salvation
Army, Hope Mission, Mustard Seed, or the foodbank for example. If your church has a hamper program or like
my church, we every year provide meals through a special offering for Hope
Mission. Whatever it is, do it, for
others.
Christmas is a
special time of year, and we can make it so much better when we remember that
God gave us a gift. His name was Jesus
Christ and the reason he came was to mankind from our sins. Jesus however did not stay a baby. He grew up and became a man who gave His life
so that we could have a relationship with God.
This is the essence, nature, and message of Christmas. So do not get wrapped to much in the hub bub
which is Christmas. Take a moment and
thank the Lord for the reason for the season and that is Jesus Christ because
if you keep Him out of Christmas you have missed the whole point. From my family to yours. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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