Encouragement

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Many of us have established an idea of what Christmas is at a very young age. We are taught by our parents what to expect or not to expect. As for me, Christmas meant putting up a huge tree and displaying a manger scene underneath it. It meant secrets and surprises and presents to open up. It meant hoping to sneak a peek at the jolly old man Santa himself.

As I grew into being an adult Christmas took on a whole new meaning. I still enjoyed the presents and the trees etc., but knowing Jesus personally made the holiday ever so much more meaningful. I spent the Christmas season in worship to Him. In every act of kindness or every gift given, I was careful not to take away from the real meaning of Christmas, the celebration of Christ’s birth.

Now as I have entered another phase of adulthood I find myself not even putting up a tree or fussing about Christmas dinner. Maybe it is because my children have all left the nest and the need for extravagant decorations and a picture perfect Christmas memories are all gone. I have begun to stop focusing all together on the Christmas “Clause” of the season. My focus is now on the “cause” of why I celebrate.

I celebrate Christmas in memory of the One who came to earth as a child, yet was every part God. I celebrate Christmas in rejoicing that I know Jesus as not only the Savior of the world, but also as my own Savior and Lord. Celebrating Christmas means to give more of myself to the needy and the downcast. To be thankful for the blessings I have and to share them with others. It means to take a moment and sing my favorite Christmas song in worship to Him. It means reading the Holy Scripture passage of His birth. It means sharing the Lord’s birthday with others.

True, it is statistically believed by scholars that December was not the time of our Lord’s birth. It is believed to be in early spring. However, having set aside a special time of remembrance of that special day is of utmost important. It allows us spiritually to focus on the cause of Christmas. Jesus came to earth because there was no other way. Another reason for such a Divine birth is found in His unmistakable love for us.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life
(John 3; 16).”


So today, as you pause to think about the Christmas season, will you remember the cause instead of the Clause this time of the year? Presents come and go but the gift God gave us through His son Jesus has continued to bring us joy and hope for over 2000 years. Thank you Father for the greatest gift of all – Jesus!


Though I am wrapping
A very special present
None can compare
To what You have given

I give only what money
Or time could buy
But you Oh Lord,
Gave Your very own life.

So as I ponder on the
Cause of this season
I will truly remember
To celebrate the reason

And in love and devotion
I will heed the call
To remember God’s Son
The greatest gift of all!

Copyright © 2004 Passion House Ministries, Jane E. Morin
http://www.passionhouseministries.com

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