Christmas

Today I was reminded of what Christmas was all about. It was just a simple e-mail written by a friend, who was trying to take some time to remember why we celebrate, an attempt not to get caught up in all the craziness of Christmas. And it struck me, I hadn’t really taken any time to remember what it is all about. Somewhere among all the activities I was doing with my class and decorating my house for the first time and wrapping paper I haven’t taken any time to remember the reason we really celebrate Christmas. So tonight I am sitting here just staring at my nativity scene, thinking of all each person represented in the scene and all they sacrificed that first Christmas. Mary and Joseph, sacrificing their honor and reputation among their family and friends. Mary, even risking her life because she was pregnant out of wedlock. And then Jesus coming to this world to be rejected. Taking on the form and emotions of a human but not for human reasons. We as humans tend to do things for selfish reasons. But Jesus, being perfect as He is, did it for reasons that were totally unselfish. Reasons that only concerned only you and me. He came to be our forgiveness for sins. He came because He wanted us to have a relationship with Him and this was His display of His love for us.

What an amazing Christmas that first one must have been not because of the presents or decorations but because what Mary and Joseph knew about this baby they had brought into the world that night. Amazing because the angels were singing. And their message was the Gospel, the truth. That night, whenever it was, the first came to bow at His feet so that we may be given the opportunity every week, every day, every moment to worship, to take time and sit at His feet to learn, to listen, to love, and to be loved.

I think Linus may have said it best in A Charlie Brown Christmas when Charlie Brown asked if anyone knew the meaning of Christmas and Linus answered, “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 so afraid … And the angel said unto them, “Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all my 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, and good will toward men. That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

That is what Christmas is all about and may we remember it as we step through each busy day this season and may we share the reason with all who may not know.

Orginally written: December 11, 2009