Christmas Worth Remembering

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2

When my siblings and I were young, mom always had great Christmases for us. Though a mostly secular home we learned about Jesus at church, while looking forward to Santa Claus at Christmas time. 

As children we would have difficulty falling to sleep as the excitement built on Christmas Eve. We hoped for a glimpse of Santa, but always seemed to fall asleep just before he arrived. Mom would complain as we were up at the break of day while she understandably wanted more sleep.

There were packages galore in colorful paper that we tore apart with great eagerness and our hoard of toys mounted. Stockings came later, after the initial excitement. They were filled with fruit, nuts, and assorted candies. We ate well, and slept well that night as our bellies and Christmas wishes were fulfilled.

Christmas is never quite the same as when you were a child. Yet as you get older and wiser you come to understand that Christmas is not about presents, lights, trees, or even full bellies. No, Christmas is about that first Christmas where a Child was born in humble conditions. A Savior came to earth to give us not only hope and joy but eternal redemption in a heavenly kingdom that will far surpass the greatest days and moments of our earthly life.

“Jesus is the Reason for the Season” is much more than a nice statement at Christmas. It was a true Holy Day when the earth was touched by the Divine in a way never before seen. God came to earth in the humble form of a baby who would grow up in poor conditions and see the worst humanity had to offer so that we might receive the best God has to give.

I miss those days when my brother and sister and I were filled with the childlike joy and wonder of Christmas. Yet I’m content to trade all that happiness for a greater joy, an eternal Gift we three children each received as we accepted the Lord Jesus into our hearts at a young age. And now my mother too has received that Greatest Gift.

Christmases come and go quickly, but Jesus is forever. I hope you have received God’s greatest Gift into your heart. If you have not, ask Jesus to come into your life and discover what Christmas is truly all about.

Prayer: Dear Lord, an eternity is not long enough to celebrate how much we love and appreciate You. How glorious it will be to see You face to face as we step from this world into your heavenly kingdom. Amen.