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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Christmas (04/25/05)
Can you remember your feelings as a young child when Christmas approached? Whether you wrote a letter to Santa, gave your parents a wish list, or just dropped not-so-subtle hints to your family, you probably fantasized about the special treasures you hoped to find under the Christmas tree. What delicious agony it was to endure the days’ slow crawl amidst the increasing bustle of preparation for that special day. One delightful sight, scent or sound seemed to merge into the next, until by Christmas Eve...at last!... you were aquiver with anticipation.

Whether you received the gifts you had been longing for was almost beside the point. When Christmas Day arrived, joy abounded.

It seems that every year we are chastised to keep our lives focused on the true meaning of the holiday and to avoid the materialistic frenzy I have just described. Some people even wonder why God, in His infinite wisdom, has continued to allow such excesses in the name of His Son.

We know that God moves in mysterious ways and that He uses the most unexpected people and events for His purpose. I think His tolerance of the materialistic side of Christmas may be another example of this.

First, it teaches children that the coming of Jesus into the world is the reason for the biggest celebration of the year. They learn very early to associate Jesus’ birth with happiness, gifts and love. Even the most secular people talk about the special spirit of the Season. That spirit is usually equated with unselfish love for our fellow man. Syrupy television specials oozing with sentimentality still manage to convey the message that Christmas is a time for loving one another.

Another insight we gain is that, for most of us, the gifts we receive are not earned. They are given out of love and generosity because of our relationships, not our achievements.

In addition, we learn the special delights of anticipation, of looking ahead with longing and hope and having faith that our longing will be satisfied. That is a concept we would be wise to apply to the greatest, most marvelous hope we have as the result of Christ’s birth: eternal life in Heaven with our loving Father.

As the years pass and the time nears for our own glorious birth into Heaven, God is making all the preparations for a celebration the likes of which are unknown in this world. What treasures and precious gifts are awaiting us under the tree of life? What delicious tastes and smells? What amazingly beautiful visions? Are you looking ahead with eager anticipation? I am. But then, Christmas has always been my favorite time of year.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
vicki mccollum
05/02/05
Great job with good points.
Angela Ranson
05/05/05
What a delightfully positive idea. This article really made me feel good about Christmas for the first time in a long time.
Leticia Caroccio
05/05/05
Ah, to receive a gift that was not earned. That is grace. Thank you for sharing these wonderful points about the real reason for the holiday season.