As the Christmas shopping season continues, it is wonderful to feel the expectancy of a wonderful Christmas celebration. People look forward to buying gifts for their family and friends. The Christmas music joyfully proclaims our Savior’s birth at home, at work and in the stores. Families and friends plan parties and dinners for the blessed Christmas holiday. Then as the beautiful, big white snowflakes float gently in the air we think of the songs “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas”, “It’s Beginning to look a lot Like Christmas” and “Joy to the World”.
I truly love the Christmas season. People seem to be happier and much nicer to each other,even strangers greeting each other with “Merry Christmas” with big smiles. Houses become cozier as families decorate their homes together with Christmas trees, wreathes, angels, candles, nativity sets, Christmas cards, lights and lawn decorations. There is an expectancy of wonder and joy as we prepare to celebrate our Savior’s birth.
Of course, with all the warm fuzzy feelings, we may start to feel bombarded with commercials for the newest toys and electronics. Sales ads come flying at us in print, TV, and online. Stores become so busy it can sap the life right out of us. The pressure of finding that perfect gift can even steal our Christmas joy.
Many years ago, when my children were little, I shopped at a large toy store on Black Friday. At first, it was fun to feel the excitement of shopping with all the great bargains and happiness of checking the toys off their wish list. Then as I continued shopping, I saw shoppers take toys out of other people’s unattended shopping carts! I couldn’t believe that parents were stealing from each other! As I guarded my own cart, I made my way to the checkout, which turned out to be a very long line from the front of the store to the back. I thought, is it worth it to stand here for hours to save a few bucks? Is it worth it to feel I had to protect my cart from other shoppers? I left the store feeling tired, worn out and discouraged. My Christmas joy went right out the window and it was only 9am. I needed to come home to get refocused on the true reason for the season- Jesus.
Advent is a time of expectation. It is a time to prepare ourselves spiritually for the celebration of our Savior’s birth. This includes a time of focusing on the prophecies of the Messiah in the Bible. A time of reflection, realizing that the birth of God’s One and Only Son was for us personally. It truly is a time to joyfully celebrate Jesus’ birth.
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel,praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:8-14 NIV
Dear Lord, this Christmas season, help me to understand the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ. Please open my eyes, to your divine plan for my life and how I can share the good news with those around me. Lord, fill me with true Christmas joy,
in Jesus’ name. Amen
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