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The Christmas season is a time for families and loved ones. A time to slow down and treasure those who are near and dear to us. It is a holiday filled with extraordinary elements. There is the tree trimmed with decorations, houses lit up with lights, inflatable Christmas characters in the yard, beautiful presents wrapped with cheerful paper and bows. A season to enjoy some goodies that cause the taste buds to dance. Of course the waist line may not appreciate the extra calories but New Year’s resolutions can deal with that. 

One of my favorite aspects of Christmas is the holiday music. There is never enough holiday tunes, especially the classics like Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song.” Such tunes lift one’s spirit and initiates a happy mood. Yes, Christmas is a delightful joyous occasion.  

But Christmas is more than decorations, music, tasty food and time with loved ones. Christmas is the season to remember the birth of Jesus. It is a time to reflect upon how the God of the universe, the One who created heaven and earth, loves humanity with an eternal, everlasting, overwhelming love. The hope of mankind is Jesus and Christmas draws our attention to this. 

Most of us have received Christmas gifts that have touched our heart or made a lasting impact upon us. Such gifts are treasures we hold near and dear. Yet all of those gifts pale in comparison to the gift bestowed upon humanity by God that first Christmas. The greatest gift ever given was the gift of Jesus. 

Jesus was born, wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger. Shepherds were visited by angels who told them the good news of great joy as the Savior had been born in Bethlehem. Magi saw the star from the east and rejoiced with exceeding great joy at the appearance of the star. These men traveled a great distance to meet and worship the King of the Jews and presented the New Born King with gold, frankincense and myrrh. Christmas is the celebration of Jesus coming to dwell among humanity; Emmanuel, God with us. When love came down from heaven.     

As we go through this Christmas season, I pray that we all take time to reflect upon the most important component of Christmas—the birth of Jesus. Yes, I hope you enjoy the trees, lights, decorations, music, food and time with those you love. Cherish each of these things as they too help make the holidays a special time. But don’t forget what makes Christmas, Christmas… the Little Baby lying in a manger who came to save us.    

From our family to yours, we wish each of you a happy, safe and healthy Christmas. May God bless each of you this Christmas season. Merry Christmas!