CHRISTMAS
- Tis the Season for Rejoicing
Matt. 1:20-21
I love
everything about Christmas - the nativity
scene, caroling, scripture reading and concerts.
I enjoy the
good food, praying, visiting, giving and
receiving gifts, and the Christmas tree.
I love the
warmth, goodwill and kindness generated.
And I’m
glad families and friends can get together
for fun and fellowship.
It is the
birth of Jesus and His message that gives
Christmas its meaning.
The message
of the angels who heralded His coming still
brings hope and peace.
Only Jesus
could say, “Love your enemies, pray
for those who despitefully use you”.
Who else but
Jesus could have given us the Sermon on
the Mount and the Golden Rule?
I will
never forget the great Christmases I’ve
enjoyed since a child.
I still get
a little sentimental and excited anticipating
the next one.
Each year,
I cherish this special time more and thank
God for making it possible.
There were
only 33 years between Christ’s birth
in a manger at Bethlehem and His death on
the cross at Calvary.
And that gives
added meaning to the words: “Joy to
the world, the Lord is come; Let earth receive
her king”.
Christmas
brings joy to a lot of people - especially
families.
Wayward children
find their way back home, relationships
are restored and many discover new hope.
There is a
closeness, love and sharing at Christmas
that you have to look for amid the hustle
and bustle.
We have all
criticized the commercialization of Christmas.
Some argue
December 25 was the date of an ancient pagan
festival and some suggest Jesus was probably
born in October.
Others refuse
to acknowledge Christmas at all.
To me, Christmas
is a time to rejoice and be thankful for
God’s blessings and pause for a year-end
accounting of our spiritual progress.
There are,
however, two sides to every coin, and many
people are unhappy at Christmas.
Although many
have the comfort of home and friends, there
are those who have no one to love or care
for them.
The first
Advent clearly teaches that we must share
our love with the needy if we are to call
ourselves Christians.
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