Merry Christmas?

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Holidays! Happy Kwanzaa! Just a few of the ways we refer to this time of year. The pressure is on - have to buy the right gifts, send the perfect cards, bake the cookies, wrap the gifts, attend the parties, etc., and the list goes on. So many people go to extreme measures to make sure everyone gets what they want regardless of the cost. Why do we do this to ourselves? Honestly, I don't know. 

When Jesus was born, it wasn't about gifts, parties, concerts, or anything like that - it was and is about redemption! 

And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Matthew 1:21-23 (emphasis mine)

Jesus, precious Jesus, came in the form of a baby so we could relate to him. He could have come in any form, but God chose to send Jesus as a baby. Babies are adorable! Who doesn't love babies! Everyone wants to hold the new baby! Bring a baby into church and watch the women gravitate to and reach out to the child..."Can I hold the baby?" Such an unassuming way to come to earth, no fanfare, no parade, no trumpet, ...just a baby. Think about it - all this was so elaborately and deliberately planned! Our gift from God! Even His birth brought peace - the angels proclaimed, "Good tidings of great joy!" (Luke 2:10)

So fast forward to 2024 - what do you suppose Jesus would say about the way we celebrate His birthday? About the parties? The endless shopping? The food? I feel like He would be disappointed. Jesus might go so far as suggest we missed the point - maybe we have. Where is the peace and contentment? Most of us come away with empty pockets, hurting feet, extra pounds gained, and shear exhaustion. 

One thing for sure, Christmas will come and go, as it does every year. Then again, each November you begin to feel the stress of the Holidays and the self-imposed importance to make everything perfect.  The cycle is predictable and real!! Hopefully, the gifts we offer our friends and family will make everyone happy!

Now is time for change - rather than remembering Christ is part of the word Christmas - let's consider the birthday boy, Jesus! The child that was born for the sole purpose of being sacrificed so we could live. 

Recently, I read Revelation, yet again! Now I don't profess to understand the book of Revelation, but I notice time and again where the angels and elders are worshiping the Lamb. Every time I read it tears flow down my cheeks, because this is what He truly deserves..."Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!”" Revelation 5:11-12

Dear reader, celebrate Christmas, enjoy your family, decorate, and give to others! But NEVER forget that Jesus is worthy to be worshipped and praised! It is so much more than saying, "Jesus is the reason for the season!" or "Put Christ back in Christmas." It is about a posture of the heart and a true love for the one who gave EVERYTHING for us! Our greatest gift!!


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