More than Gifts, Sparkles, and Lights

By this time next week, Christmas will have come and gone and we will be looking ahead to the celebrations welcoming a new year. But while we are yet in the season, let us be careful to remember the lights, the presents, and nostalgic songs is not what Christmas is all about. It’s more than finding true love, or returning to our roots, or even receiving special miracles. Christmas is the greatest story ever told, the most unbelievable drama enacted since Genesis. It’s about a God who laid aside his unapproachable glory to become a helpless baby. He did it so everyone could have access to him. But that’s not all. The birth in the manger was only the opening of the way to the cross. There, this Gentle Jesus would sacrifice his own life as the perfect Lamb, to save all who would believe in him. Christmas is so much more than lights, and sparkles, and gifts. The lights are symbols of the true Light of the World The gold and silver tinsel are tiny reminders of the splendors of heaven The gifts commemorate the greatest gift of all – Jesus The carols are reminders of the worship of angels and shepherds on the night Jesus was born And all the love stories are but faint echoes of the Greatest Love of all – God giving His Son Let’s not forget whether we say Merry Christmas, have a good winter break, or happy holidays, it is only possible because Jesus came. Yes, He is truly the reason for the season; let’s keep his name in His birthday celebration. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza, and a bright and prosperous New Year.