As the holidays approach, my heart is filled with joy. There is joy in knowing that I will see family and friends. There is joy in knowing that I am carrying a new little member of our family in my growing belly. But, most of all, when Christmas approaches, I am reminded of why I even celebrate it! If you are not a Christian, celebrating Christmas is kind of silly. I have to tell you. You may say to me, "well its a good time to spend with family and friends, and to show love." But, really that isn't true. I'm sorry. If you are a Christian, Christmas is not just a time to get cozy with those you love. You see, as a Christian, Christmas is a reminder of what our faith is all about. On Christmas, we celebrate Jesus' birth. We celebrate that we believe he came to earth for us. So, that one day, everyone that believes in him and follows his ways, will be reunited in a family party in heaven. There is joy this Christmas if your family is Christian. It is a mini heavenly celebration when you get together. But, there is some sadness if you family is not Christian. However, today is a chance to think about why you even celebrate Christmas. I know some of you get overwhelmed buying presents, going to holiday parties, even trying to get together with family. There is a reason why you feel that way. It is because that is not the point of Christmas! And, folks, I'm not really one to knock Christmas. I really do love the tree, giving presents, sharing good food. But, maybe a little too much! You see, if we forget what Jesus' birth means for us, then we miss out on true joy! There is true joy knowing that Christmas ushered in the birth of Jesus. We can continue to deny its truth or we can embrace it as reality.
If you are Christian, and you are getting excited to plan your party, or thinking about what to buy your sister for a present, I encourage you to think deeper about the holiday. Ask God, what do I really believe? Ask God to show you the true joy in the season. Don't buy the gimmicks at Starbucks. Don't buy the idea of doing something kind for someone just because its the holidays. Remember who Jesus is and be confident in what he did for you by coming to live on this earth! And, go out, and tell someone else! Love them with a genuine heart. Don't fake it. Don't fake joy, get it from God.
If you are not a Christian, I ask you to consider Jesus. I ask you to think about why you don't believe in him. Is it because silly people like me are always trying to get you to believe? Or is it because you have too much hurt to actually believe a God cares for you? Whatever the reason, now is the time to question why? Don't let another holiday season pass you by without considering what Jesus is all about. Pick up a tattered Bible, or access it on your iPhone. Read the story of Jesus' birth. Contemplate who he really is. And, ask God for his joy to fill you during this season.
Let us not fill our glasses, and drawers with presents this season without acknowledging what Christmas really means. It is a religious holiday for good reason. Embrace who God is on this day whether in a new perspective, or with brand news eyes. He is a good God. He really does bring joy whether it is Christmas or any ordinary day of the week. And, because of his birth, we can rejoice knowing that the God we believe in stepped down from heaven and was born a tiny little baby, so that we could have fullness of joy for all days.
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