Joy to the World

Do you ever find yourself getting so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas holidays that you forget the real reason for the season? I know I'm guilty of this, and for that I am ashamed. It's easy to get carried away with present buying and wrapping, Christmas parties, baking, and decorating at this time of year. Sometimes we might not stop to think about the baby that was born in a manger in Bethlehem. A baby sent to be the Savior of the world. A baby that would later die on a cross and rise again for our sins.

How many people do you think do not know about Christ? How many don't know that he is the real reason for the season, and not a jolly old man in a red suit? At Christmas, moreso than any other time of the year, it makes me think what it would be like to live in darkness, not knowing that there is someone who we can rely on in the midst of everything. It makes me incredibly thankful to have been raised as I did, and I hope that one day I will be able to tell my own children the story of Jesus' birth and the real reason we celebrate such a joyous holiday. Maybe one day I'll start a new tradition with my own children of baking a cake for Jesus and singing happy birthday. And I'll continue the traditions that my parents did with me, those that keep Christ the central focus during the season. We'll put out the nativity, read the Christmas story, and participate in church services. I'll let them ask for 3 things for Christmas to symbolize the gold, frankincense and myrrh that were brought by the wise men to baby Jesus.

Now, mind you, I am NOT having children any time soon...no way. But, I like to think of how I will teach my children about Christ because it's something I find to be incredibly important. If everybody knew about Jesus and his teachings and his incredible love for us, don't you think the world would be a better place? Because how can you know Jesus and steal from your fellow man? Kill your fellow man? Wage war on those that aren't like you?

It's so important to remember the story of the baby born that cold winter's night in a manger. The baby who grew up to be the Great I Am, the Prince of Peace, Everlasting Father, Emmanuel. Will you remember, not only this Christmas season, but throughout the year? Will you tell your children the story?

For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11