Christmas is my absolute favorite time of the year. I love everything that comes along with it…the decorations, the twinkly lights, the Christmas music, the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, the baking, the family gathering….you name it, I love it!
I remember as a young girl being so excited for the gifts of Christmas. I didn’t grow up getting gifts throughout the year. The only time I got toys was for my birthday or for Christmas. I remember when the Sears catalog came in the mail and I would sit for hours, circling the things that I wanted Santa to bring. I remember one Christmas in particular that I wanted a certain baby doll that I saw in a toy store in the mall. Every time we went to the mall, I would go in that toy store and look up in that glass cabinet when that doll was displayed. Sometimes I got up the courage to ask a store clerk if I could hold him. I longed for that doll for months! Low and behold, Christmas morning came and that doll was under the Christmas tree! I named him Todd and that doll went with me everywhere, until I outgrew him.
The decorations of Christmas bring me so much joy! I begin decorating my house on November 1. It takes me several days to get everything put up just the way I want it. The wreath on the door, the Christmas trees, the mantel lights, the table set just right…all of this makes my house so beautiful, until I get tired of the clutter. The strand of Christmas lights on the tree burn out. The candles are all melted down to the nub. All that’s left is the clean up.
The cooking brings me joy! I love to bake sweet treats to take to my neighbors or make casseroles to put in my freezer so that I don’t have to cook when my kids and grandkids come home for the holidays. I love the way my house smells when things are baking, until I have to clean up the mess.
I love Christmas, until it’s over. Then you have to deal with the clean-up, the returns, the extra weight you’ve put on, the “un-decorating”….Then what is left?
That’s where the good news comes in!
Jesus is the REASON for the SEASON. I know that is cliche, but it is the truth. When we focus on HIM throughout the season, the sights, sounds and gifts of Christmas can stay with us all year long! Jesus – a baby who came to earth as flesh to walk with us. Jesus – telling us how to spend eternity with him. Jesus – a man who hung on the cross to take away all our sins. Jesus – calling us to Him. Jesus – the greatest gift of all!
Unlike the doll we received as a Christmas gift, we will never outgrow Jesus. Unlike the decorations, Jesus’ light will never dim or fade. Unlike the sweet treats that make our bodies weary and achy, Jesus will always be a delight for our hearts!
Spend time enjoying the things you love at Christmas – the sights, sounds and gifts of Christmas. Just don’t forget the most important sight, sound and gift of Jesus!