Christmas time will be the epiphany of joy to some and a monument of sadness to others. How can we look past this and see the true "wonder" of Christmas?
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way!
When most of us think of Christmas time, we experience this feeling of "wonder." We feel happy, light hearted, festive. Some will, in the spirit of Christmas feel grateful and giving.
The other group of people, in contrast to the first group, will feel depressed, down and dreading to see all the Christmas decorations everywhere. They have maybe lost loved ones, have a bad past experience, or maybe don't have leave to go on holiday and will be spending Christmas alone.
How do we find a balance between these two groups? I think, we should start separating "Christmas" from the "holiday season."
Most of us are so glad for the Summer holidays to start, meeting up with family and resting after a hard year. We then see Christmas decorations everywhere and we connect the holiday season with Christmas. Those who can't partake in these festivities could then easily feel negative about Christmas.
So let's get back to basics. Even though it's super special to share Christmas with your family in a room filled with lights and presents, it is not the core of Christmas.
Christmas is about the birth of Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. It's about being grateful to God for giving His Son for our salvation. We are also grateful that Jesus was willing to be born as a sacrifice on Earth to save us. Yes, we give presents as a reminder of the gifts given to Jesus by the wisemen, but without the gifts, the lights, the big meal, the family time or then, being alone, having no fairy lights or prezzies... Our focus should be JESUS on Christmas day. Not on anything or anyone else.
To experience the "real wonder" of Christmas this year, spend some more quiet time with Jesus and ask Him what you can do to remember Him by, during this time. Also ask him how to reach out to others.
Giving - your time, a present, looking to the needs of others - will uplift your heart and bring the true wonder of Jesus into your life.
Merry Christmas and happy giving!
Good word around the WONDER of Jesus! Encouraging and appreciated