As Christmas 2015 passed by, it caused me to reflect this
year more than ever on the value of celebrating this season. What matters most during this season? Is it
truly about the giving of gifts, the receiving of special presents from friends
and loved ones or is it about simply the celebration of the birth of
Christ?
The answer seems to be as individual as we are people. It
also varies with our age and where we are with our life. However there is a
universal commonality that we all agree on, those of us that believe Jesus is
the Son of God. That is, that the greatest gift is son of God born on Christmas
Day. With Him we gained an immeasurable wealth of knowledge and heard of his
suffering in human flesh. We know,
through his work, deeds and words, we will have eternal salvation by living in
His word and believing in Him.
The many traditions of Christmas have redeeming value and
are embraced by so many of us. Gift giving is delightful. It feeds our economy,
it is a great means of expression and for children, it is the highlight of the
season. Santa and getting presents
pleases children of all ages to no end!
For many families, Christmas is the only time of the year
they will make every effort to be together. Christmas is a beautiful time when
generations can come together as reunions have become something more of the
past. It gives today’s families the opportunity to put aside their differences,
their family feuds and such and show how, in spite of all their differences,
they can be united as one in the name of their family for this one special time
of year.
Many of us have family memories of Christmases past. Today’s
families are replicating some of these to keep them alive and also creating new
Christmas is a time of love. This is a time to remember how
deeply each of us are loved by God, so much so He gave us only son to us. There
is
As I have aged, I have found the walk towards God and His
word easier to take. Following his path does lead you to greener pastures. You
may lose some people you love along the way but God never promised making the
right choices in life would be an easier path. But he does promise never to desert you when
others may.
Those that gravitate away will either find their way back to
you, or not. It is a matter of free will, their choice, not yours. You
can only control your own faith journey and it should not deter your own
growth. Find and give forgiveness for
others regardless of whether others are willing to give this to you. Love
others enough to let them go if that love is harmful to you and not leading to
growth. Your life is limited; use your
time sensibly and preciously.
Take the message of Jesus as the best Christmas gift you
received this year. Remember, it is the gift
that truly keeps on giving long after the Christmas season is gone. Hold it gingerly, and keep reopening it each
day. Share that gift with those willing
to take it, hold it and incorporate it into their lives. Use it to build yourself into a better person,
someone more loving, more compassionate and more devout in faith. You never know when the day will come when
God will call you home. The gift is intangible God gave you but the rewards
will multiply and your life will feel like Christmas every day.
