Oh Christmas…
I have so many conflicting thoughts about this holiday. Part of me hates it because honestly, how can you love the saddening commercialization of this day. The message of Christmas as portrayed through our culture isn’t hopeful but instead mostly a bunch of empty promises. Each year I go through the same thing, around this time of December, I start to wonder… Why doesn’t it feel like Christmas? Where are the magical feelings that I had during my childhood? Why can’t I see those Coca-Cola commercials with the polar bears and feel like I did when I was a child? Why can’t I just listen to Christmas music and all of a sudden I’ll receive a jolt of Christmas Spirit?
So, this year… I’m going through the same thing; I want to be in the Christmas spirit. I want to be filled with joyous glee at the thought of this wonderful holiday season but I’m not. Why, oh why? Sure, getting presents is nice and giving presents does make me happy but it most certainly isn’t lasting joy.
Christmas is undeniably a Christian holiday and really centralizes Christianity. Now, I am a Christian (and by Christian, I mean, a follower and lover of Jesus Christ, not a judgmental person who attends church on Sunday and looks like they have their life together) but somehow I find myself lacking the excitement of this tremendous celebration. I’d like to blame my lack of excitement on the silly commercialization of the holiday but really, it all boils down to one reason: I forget. By saying “forget”, I don’t mean I literally forget why Christmas is celebrated. I meant, I forget why I should be celebrating.
I shouldn’t be celebrating because of the cute little baby that was born in a barn 2,000 years ago, and I recently discovered Santa wasn’t real, so that rules him out as the reason for the season. I should be celebrating because…
Jesus came humbly, giving up everything for life as an infant, and he didn’t just stay quiet while here on earth. He lived a perfect and blameless life…for me?!?! He taught a way of life through His words and actions. AND, He died for me, so that I may live the life I have now. A life of purpose, free of guilt and shame, knowing my identity is secure in Him. That’s my King: Jesus Christ! He is the reason for my very existence. He fills me with joy, peace and love! Reflecting on His goodness gives me a bigger dose of Christmas spirit than any spiked egg nog ever could! Wow, that wasn’t cheesy or anything…
6 days and counting until the big day... I hope I don't forget...After Christmas, I'll be looking to Easter! :D
