When I was a kid, Christmas was my favorite holiday. It wasn't my favorite just because I got gifts (although that was awesome). But there was something about the feel of Christmas and the holiday season. There was just something magical and hopeful about that time of year. I still feel the same way today. I love all the lights, decorations, and music. I love buying people gifts. I love watching Christmas movies and spending time with friends and family.
But this time of year can also be really difficult for people. I know some people don't have anyone to celebrate the holidays with whether because of distance or other circumstances. For others, this time of year brings up bad memories and painful emotions. Some have lost loved ones around this time and it's a constant reminder of their loss. Others are just lonely and wish they had someone special to share it with. Some people are dealing with illness, financial issues, divorce...the list goes on. My heart goes out to each and every one of them. I can only imagine what they must be going through.
We are all broken and struggling with something. Some of us have a lot on our plates, and I think most of us are stressed out in some way. We all have things we wish we could change in our lives. Mix all that together with a holiday that's all about joy and cheer and we get some unhappy Scrooges. I'm not discrediting anyone's emotions or problems, they're important. The thing is, Christmas is not all about us. It's about the birth of Jesus Christ. It's about the fact that God loved us all so much that He sent his Son for us.
I was at church the other night and the worship leader said something that really struck me. She asked us to think about a close friend and how we treat them on their birthday. She said we try to make everything great for them. We don't let other things get us down because we're so busy lavishing them with love and attention. We get them gifts and do things for them to show them how much we care. We give them time-isn't that what most of want? People to just give us some time to show they care about and love us? Then she said this is how we should treat Jesus. This is his birthday. We should be lavishing him with praise and thanksgiving. We should be showing other people love and stop focusing so much on ourselves. We should do that for Jesus. Of course, we should do this all year round. But wouldn't it be great if we all treated Christmas this year as if we're celebrating our best friend's birthday? I think we would all be filled with more joy, peace, and love. And that's my kind of Christmas.
Luke 2:10-11 NKJV "Then the angel said to them, do not be afraid for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. "
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