Christmas- The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

We have been setting up our home with Christmas decorations for the last several weeks. I searched and searched for a nativity set. I finally did get one, but it seems that Jesus being squeezed out of the picture entirely.

Tonight we attended a live production of Charlie Brown's Christmas. Although it seems that every year our world gets further away from the true meaning of Christmas and the celebration of Christ's arrival on earth as a baby, Charlie Brown's Christmas has remained a favorite of children and adults alike. 

I think people are searching for a deeper meaning in their lives- like there has got to be something more. Linus shares the passage from Luke Chapter 2 (the chapter where Jesus is born). I think it strikes a chord in us, that maybe there is more; and perhaps that is why Charlie Brown's Christmas has been played on television for 55 years.

I also have been watching a lot of Hallmark movies. I love those, but the truth is, they are always about nostalgic Christmas feelings and falling in love. The song "The Christmas Waltz, states "It's that time of year when the world falls in love..."That may be so; a lot of people get engaged at Christmas, but what if that "Falling in love" was with JESUS instead of people or material possessions?

Our pastor has issued a challenge for us to invite someone to church on Christmas Eve. Most people who don't attend church will consider coming on Christmas Eve. You see, when we truly "fall in Love with JESUS, we want others to as well. We want them to know Real Hope, New Life, and Lasting Purpose. I love that; (and incidentally, that is the byline for our church!)

This holiday season, let's not get so wrapped up in the gifts and the decorating that we forget why we are celebrating. JESUS came to give us life and what a privilege it is that we have the opportunity to share about Him with the people around us who may be feeling empty and unfulfilled during this joyous season.


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