As I'm preparing for the holidays, I'm noticing something different this year. Retail stores always try to stock their stores with things they think will sell well. This year, our local super center is doing something different. In years past, one could always find an aisle devoted to Nativity scenes, angels and things of that nature. However, this year, only a few Nativity sets and angels are offered. Instead the shelves are stocked with color coordinated ornaments, colorful trees and LED lights. What happened? Why are we taking Christ out of Christmas? Are we forgetting what Christmas is all about?
Christmas is not about the latest gaming system or the largest flat-screen TV ever made. Christmas is not about competing with your neighbor for the biggest and brightest light show on the block. It's not even about colored trees, LED lights and coordinating ornaments. Christmas is about that baby in a manger. Christmas is not about the decorations, the food or the gifts. Christmas is about Christ, the ultimate gift of God's love for all mankind.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17) (NIV)
Isaiah foretold about this baby long before He entered the world.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.” Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)
It's easy to forget that as we rush around during the holidays. Our schedules get so busy with holiday functions, church fellowships, office parties and school performances. There's much to be done: shopping, cooking, baking, decorating, etc. Yet, no matter how busy the season gets, take time each and every day to stop, pray and meditate on God's Word and the real reason for the season. Keep Christ in Christmas.
The Star Still Shines by Gordon Mote ( “after all the years, as a light for me….. it beacons me to seek Him…. Wise men still do. The star still shines. It shines for me and you.”)
It’s the same story every year. christmas is a pagan festival turned vagely christian by the catholic church. Leaving out the commercial and pagan celebrate the birth of our saviour no more.