Everyone knows what time of year it is. Shopping frenzies, tree decorating, gift giving, baking bonanzas, but do people REALLY know what time of year it is, or have we all lost sight of the big picture? Christmas really started one day a long (LONG) time ago in that manger where Jesus, our Lord and Savior, was born. It was were the hope for us sinners started; the first Christmas miracle.
I feel that this time of year is often more stressful due to the commercialized holiday when it should really be more celebratory since it's when we remember this miracle! If we say we are so thankful for Jesus' birth, then why do we often find ourselves getting caught up in the shopper's hype?
It doesn't matter how well you know Santa Claus (or Buddy the elf) he can't give you the best present ever because God already has. He sent His Son into the world to SAVE us, and He did this because He loves us, no matter what. I think that's a pretty good reason to be happy this time of year (and any other time of year for that matter).
So let us not forget to keep Christ in Christmas, no matter how many shopping sprees you have, how many cookies are baking in your oven, or how many presents are wrapped under your tree. Always remember that we celebrate His birth on this amazing day.
Luke 1:29-38 NIV
29Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
34"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
35The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37For nothing is impossible with God."
38"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.
