The hustle and bustle of Christmas is upon us once again. Gatherings, feasts, presents – all aimed at celebrating the season with family and friends.
For many, it may not feel like Christmas. The stress and pressure of the season, the loss of loved ones, the pain in the pocketbook, the uncertainty of tomorrow – all add up to a season of despair instead of a season of joy.
What if we gave our presence, cultivated relationships and spent time together, really seeking to love and understand those we hold dear? They would benefit far more from our personal investment in their lives than from any gift card or sweater or box of candy, and so would we.
Oh, the bows and lights are beautiful, and the food is delicious but it all fades, leaving us longing for more. Our ultimate need is for love and acceptance.
Christmas should be a time for us all to rekindle our passion for Christ and our fellow man, soaking up His mercy and offering a little of our own to our neighbors.
Our culture moves farther away from the significance of His birth every year. When we shift the focus back to His gift and prioritize people over possessions we find our spirits lifted, the season becomes more meaningful and our hearts swell with joy.
This Christmas, we must remember to love, worship and give of ourselves more, & yes, do less.
May be all remember that first Christmas as described for us in Luke 2:1-14 (KJV):
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
May the Lord’s blessings be with you and your family as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Merry Christmas.
Magnolia Tribune
