Christmas is Just the Beginning
“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”” (Luke 2:8-12 ESV)
I love Christmas! Oh yes I do! Maybe not for the same reason most people love it. It is not about gifts that can be bought! It is the Ultimate Gift from God to mankind: baby Jesus.
The other day as I was looking through the Christmas/Holiday aisle at a local grocery store, my heart sank. I saw angels, elves, reindeers, Santa Claus, more angels…but not baby Jesus or shepherds or Mary and Joseph. For me personally, this is a heart-breaker. I understand that many stores want to be ‘politically correct’, but Christmas is really a beginning of the new life we all can have, if we believe like the shepherds in the field over 2,000 years ago.
Last night I was listening to Third Day’s Christmas album, one song truly struck the chords of my heart: “Born in Bethlehem”:
“…Baby Jesus don’t You know You’ll die for all our sins?
Don’t be afraid for in three days You will rise Again…You will rise Again!
Hallelujah, the King is here Given for all men
For today, the holy Son of God is born in Bethlehem.” (Third Day)
I know that we all are really busy during the Christmas season, but we should not forget that Christmas is just the beginning…ending with Easter Sunday. Will you join me this Christmas to make Christ the center of Christmas?
“Lord of mercy and grace. Thank You for sending Your Holy Son to die for our sins. Help me to remember that Christmas is just the beginning of a promise You gave me. I am blessed to be called Your child through the birth, death, and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus. Continue to guide my journey until life everlasting. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
beautiful and very true. Christmas has gotten so commercialized that we have forgotten about Jesus. This year I am more focused on giving to the less fortunate than my friends and family, because we have all that we need. I want to share the love of Christ with those who do not have it. Merry Christmas Iris! 🙂
Yes, Christmas is so commercialized. I don’t seem to get into the ‘spirit’ of Christmas this year.
Beautiful post, Iris! I remember when I was growing up Christmas was so much more simple than it is now. I still try to stay closer to the traditions of my childhood and remember the true meaning of the season.
I agree Bernadine – one of my favorite memories when growing up was the Advent Sunday nights. We had a wonderful wreath with candles and sang Christmas music.