How many times have you made that statement or heard it made?
I often hear people say that they cannot wait for the holidays to be over. Often the days from Thanksgiving to New Year’ are just a blur. There always seem to be too much to do and not enough time to get it done. For you see there are gifts to buy and wrap, decorations to be found and put into place, meals to be cooked, travel plans to be made, guests to be planned for and entertained, parties to be attended, cantatas and programs to be rehearsed and presented, and so many, many other things to be done. No wonder that more people have to be treated for depression after Christmas than any other time of the year. Suicide rates go up and deaths in general increase during and after the holidays. It’s that time of year again!
However, I submit there is a better way. If we can focus on the true meaning of the season, if we can remember why there is a Christmas in the first place, if we can keep our priorities straight, then this time of year can be a real blessing indeed!
Hear again the greatest story ever told:
“And it came to pass in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed, every one should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Nazareth into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: (because he was of the house and lineage of David) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”[Luke 2:1-7 K.J. V.]
IF WE KEEP JESUS AT THE CENTER OF OUR HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES WE WILL NOT SAY: “WELL, IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN.” RATHER WE WILL SHOUT “HALLELUJAH! IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!”
GRACE AND PEACE FROM RICHARD
