A woman was Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of walking down row after row of toys and after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the store elevator with her two children in hand.
She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year, getting that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, making sure we don’t forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.
Finally the elevator doors opened revealing a crowd inside. She pushed her way in and dragged her two kids and all her bags of stuff in with her.
As the doors closed she couldn’t take it anymore and blurted out, “Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up, and shot,”
From the back of the elevator, a quiet calm voice responded, “Don’t worry lady, we’ve already crucified Him.” The rest of the trip down was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.
The true Christmas – the celebration of Jesus’ birth – seems to be diminishing. Our “Christmas” is being replaced with a separate and unrelated event: “the Holidays.” A Christian Christmas perspective would be spending time rejoicing in the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. However, “the Holidays” are instead spent rushing frantically from store to store, seeking out the perfect gift, and subtly hinting at what your loved ones can buy for you.
Luke tells us what this Christmas season is really all about. “And there were shepherds living out in the field nearby keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shown around them and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you; you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manager.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly hosts appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.” Luke 2:8-14
LIFE LESSON: This Christmas, don’t forget to keep the One who started this whole celebration in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all would, just think how much better this world would be. Remember the most important part of Christmas is the first six letters. Christ is the reason for the season. Wise men still seek Him. Amen, Amen!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!