Why is everyone so bah-humbug whenever Christmas is mentioned? I run into a lot of people (and they are not older people either) that have such negative thoughts on Christmas, Christmas music, Christmas dinners, spending time with family, and all those special Christmas traditions we hold so dear to our hearts. Could it be that we are guilty of commercializing Christmas so much ourselves that we loose the real meaning of it?
Christmas is about Jesus first and foremost. If we didn't have Jesus, our only way of redemption, and only way to have eternal life, then I could very well see why we would dread the season. But the fact is, we do have a hope and a reason to rejoice! Christmas is also about giving of ourselves to others, being willing to serve others, and helping people to learn the real joy of Christmas. But you must first yourself have an understanding of what Christmas is about for yourself.
Christmas is NOT about trying to find the best, most expensive gift for someone you care about every time Christmas rolls around. There's lots of things in this world that children/adults need more than a new iPad, iPod, iPhone, etc. Sure all those things are nice, but when the newness wears off, they will be looking for the next newest gadget. My point is that things are temporal and they will fade with the change of fads and time. Making memories and teaching your children to love and serve others will be a better present than any expensive gift that you could offer. Children and adults alike need to know the true meaning of Christmas. The best present you could give your children is teaching them about Jesus and instilling the truth of God's word in them.
Don't get me wrong! I am not saying that you should not give your children or those you love anything for Christmas. But, what I am saying is this: the emphasis should not be on the gifts. My mom used to teach my sisters and I to make care/ goody baskets for people who were elderly and for people who didn't have much in our community. Then we would bring them the baskets and sing Christmas carols to them on Christmas Eve.
Make memories with your children this Christmas! Make a gingerbread house with them. Set aside a day to pick out a tree with your family. Go walk or drive through the lights this year. Trim a tree with handmade ornaments. Try ice skating with you family! Drink hot chocolate, and make cookies with them. Read the Bible to them so they will remember what Christmas is all about (Matthew 1:18 though Matthew 2:23)! Get your family involved in filling out Christmas cards for loved ones and friends! Make care baskets for the needy and widowed! Go Christmas caroling around your neighborhood with your church family. If your children have never heard the classic story of the Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol", then read them the story of Ebenezer Scrooge. Enjoy Christmas parades. If you have snow, have a snowball fight and make a Frosty the Snowman with your children! Teach your children to help others by doing simple gestures like clearing snow from a neighbor's driveway or sidewalk. Enjoy the Christmas music! Don't wear yourself out buying gifts that will likely end up in a long return line; buy gifts that people need and can use! Don't go beyond your means; the Bible calls us to be wise stewards of the financial blessings he has given us. Price does not matter, it's the thought that counts!
Life is too short to be stressed. You can't afford not to enjoy the Christmas season! Enjoy this year because you will never have another opportunity to enjoy Christmas 2014 once it's gone!
Hannah Caudle
Acts 2:38, Obey it!
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