CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS

 

            I love this time of year.  Christmas seems to bring the best out of most people.

Yes, you have a few Grinches but generally people seem more happy and generous this time of year.  What concerns me though is how each year the message of Christmas seems to get lost in the rush of presents, the glitter of the trees and the clatter of the noise.

            I am going to share with you two small stories that will help bring home the true

Message of Christmas.  A five year old refugee was being shown the wonders of a large toy department by his foster parents.  His eyes grew wide with wonderment but gradually and expression of disappointment clouded his face.  He began to search up and down the aisles and under tables and counters.  At last he burst out “But where is the child.”  After an embarrassed silence, a store official ordered a Christmas crib to be found at once and set up in a prominent place in the toy department.  At this the young boy smiled with delight.  Young as he was, he had given a lesson in the real significance of Christ.

            The day before Christmas had been full of incidents, some of them unpleasant.  Dad seemed to be burdened with worries as well as bundles.  Mom’s anxiety had reached the breaking point on many occasions through out the day.  Wherever the little girl went, she seemed to be in the way.  Finally she was hustled off to bed.  The feverish excitement of the Christmas planning had completely unnerved her,  As she knelt by her bed to pray the Lord’s prayer, she got all mixed up and prayed, “Forgive us Lord our Christmases as we forgive those who Christmas against us.”  As we watch the tense, nervous shoppers this season, we feel like praying as the little girl did.  “Forgive us our Christmases.”

            During this holiday season remember, Christmas is not about, packages, boxes and bags.  It is not about lights, trees and sleigh bells in the snow.  It is about the birth of a Saviour who is Christ the Lord.   He came to save mankind from sin.  He started out as Child but He grew into a man.  He died, was buried and rose again.  A well know adage sums up my thoughts on Christmas.  Jesus is the reason for the season.   Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year.