Christmas is certainly one of my favorite times of the year. Somehow the world becomes a wonderfully captivating place to live in. It seems to be the one time where everyone is one in heart, mind and spirit. The local churches are all at their very best with beautiful and inspiring ways to retell the story of Christmas. The cities are lit and full of surprise with Christmas excitement and decorations. The nights are festive with sweet treats and family fun activities. The stores and shops share the pleasantries of a season for something special and in general, people are more joyful and loving toward one another. Isn’t it amazing that In the midst of all this, while the world may continue to have its present ills, the goodness of Christmas continues to be a light in the darkness bringing hope, promise and a life to cherish and honor – all in the name of Jesus Christ.
We may not understand it but the spirit of Christmas is REAL. It is the season where all heaven and earth joins us as we commemorate the birth of our Savior, Prince of Peace and Holy King. The spirit of Christmas we experience each year is just a glimpse of what the world experienced for the first time over 2000 years ago when God came to the earth and lived among men. What we feel each Christmas is simply the presence of God in his nature, love, unity and power. His coming didn’t need our approval or understanding because it came as a gift to mankind and through mankind it would be a gift to the WORLD. While this glorious celebration may have first taken place centuries ago, there is no doubt the divine anointing still remains and rest upon us and all the world to this day.
This year, as we gather with family and friends let’s continue to be mindful of what this season is all about. No doubt deception continues to be all around us with the pressure for abundant gift giving, Santa Clause and anything that covertly removes Christ out of Christmas… but we know better don’t we?
Encouraging you today to find your reason to smile as you purpose in your heart to keep this season pure and focused upon the REAL gifts that are given during this time of the year.
Until 2016, may YOU and YOURS be richly blessed in the presence of our wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ. May it also inspire you to keep giving this gift the whole year through.
Karen Gaithers-Life Discipleship 