At the time of this writing, it is one week before Christmas 2018. As I am writing this, I am thinking about the meaning of Christmas. For some it is a ‘wonderful time of the year.’ The image of Christmas is usually one of Santa Claus, presents, a Christmas tree, and of course children going nuts running around the room and tearing open presents. To some, that is what makes Christmas so special. It’s what ‘makes Christmas’ for them. They look at the lights, the decorations, the smiling faces, the way people look after each other more than usual – hot meals, shelter, clothes, toys. They look at the colors and say ‘this looks Christmasy’ (Is that even a word?)
Others have a more cynical or sad view. For some this is a tough time of year. It reminds them of what used to be, of who used to be there and no longer is, of what we used to possess and no longer do. For some, Christmas is just like any other day. It is sad. It is cynical. It’s not even real to some people. Others can celebrate if they want to, but they are not going to. As Billy says in “The Polar Express” movie, “Christmas just doesn’t work out for me.”
Does it work out for you? Can you relate? Has your view of Christmas changed over time? I know it has for me. As a kid, my focus was on the presents I was going to get. Which ones had my name on it? How many did I get. Did I get any extra ones? You know the drill. Maybe you have been there. Maybe not. Some Christmases are better than others for us. We have seasons in our lives.
Things turned around for me as a teenager when I gave my life to Christ. I asked him to forgive of my sins and come into my heart. I gave him control over my life. Since that day, I have grown closer to Him, and I am starting to realize more and more that He loves me and wants to spend time with me. He still has work to do in my heart and in my life, and He will continue it until ‘the day of Jesus Christ.’
This Christmas, I want to focus more on Jesus and what He has already given and done for me since I gave my life to him in 1969. Jesus is real. His love is real. His presence is real. His holiness is real. This Christmas, I want to honor Him for who He is, and what He has done in my life.
Have you given your life to Jesus? Have you let Him reach down to your deepest hurts and longings? How about giving Him a present this Christmas. Give Him your heart. Seasons change, but He never will. He is faithful to the end.
Merry Christmas to all who read this post.
