It’s that time of year again. The “most wonderful time of the year” is upon us. What makes this time so wonderful? Is it the gifts under the tree? The candy in our stockings? The decorations around the house and down every street? The abundance of food that fills our tables while surrounded by family and friends? Everyone always shouts out “Merry Christmas!”….but do they even know what this time is truly all about?
For some, Christmas may turn out to be a time of sorrow. Family members may not be able to afford the presents they believe their love ones deserve. A father may not be able to buy his son the new Xbox and may think he’s not good enough. Or a mother may not be able to afford the hottest trends and styles for her daughter that “all” of her friends have. As sad as this is, it is how a lot of people view this time of year. Christmas is about giving, of course, but it is not about giving material things.
Jesus Christ was born on this day to give us the greatest gift of all…forgiveness. We are all sinners, even though sometimes we don’t want to admit it. God sent his son on this day so he could die for all of our sins later on.
If that is not the best present you could possibly ask for, I’m not sure I know what is. Don’t get me wrong, gift giving is a wonderful concept and does show that you care about someone. People from all over brought Jesus gifts when he was born on this day. However, today’s society ambushes people to believe that this is the ENTIRE meaning of the holiday, hence the whole concept of “Black Friday” and holiday deals. People are so worried about material things. They always ask each other: “What did you get for Christmas?” and “What do you want me to get you this year?” People don’t realize that we all get the same thing for Christmas year after year, and every other day of the year for that matter.
Although it is not wrapped with a big shiny bow under the tree on Christmas morning, God’s love for us all is the best present that one could receive. So, do not worry if you can’t provide your love ones with the new iPhone or the newest gaming device this holiday season because no material item can surpass the gift of God’s love for us all.
Jesus is always the “reason for the season!” May this season, and every other, bring you joy and peace. Merry Christmas!
Here is my all time favorite Christmas story! Hope you love it as much as I do!
A friend of mine named Paul received an automobile from his brother as a Christmas present. On Christmas Eve when Paul came out of his office, a young, roguish-looking kid was walking around the shiny new car, admiring it. “Is this your car, Mister?” the boy asked.
Paul nodded. “My brother gave it to me for Christmas.” The boy was astounded. “You mean your brother gave it to you and it didn’t cost you nothing? Boy, I wish…”
Paul knew what the boy was going to wish – for a brother like that. But what the lad said jarred Paul all the way to his heels.
“I wish that I could be a brother like that.”
Paul looked at the boy in astonishment, then impulsively he responded, “Would you like to go for a ride in my new car?”
“Oh yes, I’d love that!”
After a short ride, the boy turned with his eyes aglow and said, “Mister, would you mind driving in front of my house?”
Paul smiled a little. Again, he thought he knew what the lad wanted…to show his neighbors that he was riding in a big, new automobile. But he was wrong again. “Will you stop at those two steps?” the boy asked.
The boy ran up the steps. In a little while, Paul heard him coming back, but moving quite slowly. The lad was carrying his younger, handicapped brother. The boy sat his brother down on the bottom step, then sort of squeezed up again him and pointed to the car.
“There she is, buddy, just like I told you! His brother gave it to him for Christmas and it didn’t cost him a cent. And someday I’m gonna give you one just like it…then you can see for yourself all the pretty things in the Christmas windows that I’ve been trying to tell you about.”
Paul got out of the car and lifted the younger child to the front seat. The shining-eyed older brother climbed in beside the small child and the three of them began a memorable holiday ride.
Kenrick Vaz 