Christmas Faith

      One of the many things the human race tends to be good at is celebrating.  In my short life, I’ve found people are capable of finding any purpose possible for celebrating.  There are celebrations for birthdays, graduations, coming of age rituals, retirements, and weddings.  People celebrate the birth of children, naming children, blessing children, and the many accomplishments of children.  There are celebrations that take place before someone leaves the home for an extended period of time, followed by celebrations for the return of that person.  And, let us not forget, there are many, many holidays throughout the world that human beings celebrate.
      I would love to name the holidays of the world for you.  Unfortunately, I’m not an expert on the holidays of the world.  I know a few of the holidays outside of the United States of America, but not many.  However, being a native to the United States of America, I am more familiar with these holidays.  And Americans, as we are commonly called, have a holiday for almost everything.  In fact there is at least one major holiday in almost every month of the year.
     At this time of year, one of the most popular holidays celebrated by Americans, and even a large number of other countries, is Christmas.  This holiday is probably the favorite holiday of most Americans.  People love the beautiful lights adorning the houses, businesses, and greenery throughout the many communities.  The wonder and excitement in children’s eyes fill people with excitement.  The seemingly magical generosity of the masses brings hope and joy to the weary hearted.  It’s truly a special time of year when people have so much to look forward to and hope for.
      Christmas is one of my two favorite holidays.  I admit that I love the wonder and excitement children feel at Christmas.  I love the bright and happy lights riddled throughout the communities.  And I love the special generosity the human race feels towards one another at Christmas.
     But none of these would be listed as my favorite part about Christmas.  My favorite part of Christmas is actually something many in the world, especially commercialized America, have forgotten.  It’s the true meaning behind Christmas, Jesus Christ.  And it is the faith Christmas rejuvenates in Jesus Christ for those who search for this true meaning.
     Unfortunately, the true meaning of Christmas is being lost in today’s world.  It’s truly sad when you consider what is becoming of this wonderful holiday.  People easily get caught up in the hustle and bustle of buying presents and forget about Jesus Christ.  Many search under the tree for the largest present in hopes it is what they’ve been dreaming of receiving, forgetting that Christmas is about the greatest gift our Heavenly Father sent to us.  In fact the United States of America has even faced rigid opposition to the name of “Christmas”.  Many have called for a name change to “X-mas” with phrases such as “Happy Holidays” replacing “Merry Christmas”.  All this has happened because some have proclaimed the name Christmas carries too much of a religious meaning.
      But why shouldn’t Christmas carry such a religious meaning.  Christmas is about the generosity of the heart, is it not?  I proclaim to you that it is.  Heavenly Father made the most generous gift to us that He could.  He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to redeem us, as discussed in the posts throughout August and September about Jesus Christ.  And the coming of this Son to the earth is what Christmas is meant to celebrate.
      Let me ask you, have you forgotten the wonderful birth of the baby Jesus?  Have you forgotten the tale of His coming?  Have you forgotten His condescension to be with Man?  Have you forgotten all He did for you?  Are you too busy plotting on how to spend your money for Christmas gifts and guessing just what you will get to spend time pondering on the true meaning of Christmas? 
      If so, I have my own little gift for you, a gift I hope will be fit for my present to my Redeemer.  My gift to you is going to be a focus for the next little while on the true meaning of Christmas.  I’m going to tell you the one true Christmas story in my own words over the next blog or two and share some of my personal feelings with you about Christmas.  And I hope it will help you focus more on why Christmas is so wonderful.
     For now, let me close by sharing with you my faith in Christmas.  I have faith that Christmas draws the world closer to Christ as the people within the world open up their hearts to the spirit of sharing.  I know this is brought about because the love of Christ is spreading forth in the hearts of men.  I have faith that those who open their hearts to Christ get the most out of Christmas, and I know these people find Christmas the most joyous out of all the people of the earth. 
     I know the joy of getting gifts is nothing compared to the joy of giving those gifts, and I have faith that any who focus more on giving than getting will find themselves happier people than those who don’t.
     I know Christmas is about Jesus Christ.  And I have faith that many people will remember this and have their strength in Him strengthened throughout this Christmas season.  With all my heart I wish to you a very Merry Christmas.