Can you smell the Christmas Tree? Can you feel the warmth of a crackling fire? Can you hear Clark Griswold on the television saying “it’s a little full. . ‘lotta sap”? If so, that’s because it Christmas!
I love Christmas. Let me tell you why.
Another year has come and has just about gone. There have been victories and defeats. People have come into our lives, and others have gone out. There have been (for you, I pray) a lot of ups, for which we should thank God, who is the giver of all good things (James 1:17). There has also been some downs. You probably lost some loved ones. Perhaps you’ve struggled financially. Whatever the case may be, 2023 has probably given you some fits (as we say down South).
The good news is, 2024 will likely bring things into our lives which will be the cause of a lot more smiles, and a lot more joy. But, inevitably, it will also bring things which will be the cause of tears, and sorrow. This brings me to the reason why I love Christmas.
Christmas means light in the darkness.
One of the really tough things about this season that we’re in is that it is dark, literally. The Sun goes down really early. For most, this means we get bored and go to bed earlier because, frankly, there are not as many things to do. In more extreme cases, people become depressed, even to the point of contemplating suicide. Some, indeed, make the decision to end their lives.
Christmas is so wonderful because, for most of the world, there is something to look forward to even in the midst of the darkness surrounding us. Things slow down. We will see family that we rarely get to see throughout the busy year. Everyone is talking about Christmas movies. The tree goes up. Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole are playing in the background. Everyone is naturally festive. It’s simply a magical time of the year. And that, in the midst of the darkness.
I believe our Lord intends for it to be this way. This hope. This ‘something to look forward to.’ This light in the darkness, is exactly what He sent His Son to be. Isaiah 9:2 says, “The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined” (NKJV). The prophet Isaiah was referring to gentile nations. When the Christ would appear, God’s wonderful saving light would extend beyond the nation of Israel to all the nations of the world. Indeed, this light did appear, in the person of Jesus Christ, who was born of the Virgin Mary, and who was laid in a manger.
Whether you’re walking in darkness, literally, or emotionally, or spiritually, this promise applies to you. This Christmas, and on into 2024, no matter what happens, there is hope for you. There is meaning; there is purpose; there is comfort; there is joy. There is light in your darkness, and His name is Jesus 🙌🏻
That’s why I Love Christmas.
Merry Christmas 🎄