Well, the Christmas season is upon us, and as the song goes, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.”
But why is that?
For many folks, it’s wonderful because of the gifts… especially for the kids.
Christmas has become all about stuff… buying stuff, giving stuff, getting stuffed.
Then there’s the competition of Black Friday…who can get the best deal on more stuff.
There’s a well known company that uses the song lyrics, “I want it all and I want it now!”
Seriously! It makes me want to barf every time I hear it.
Sometimes I wish we could totally do away with all of the gift giving of Christmas.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not a Scrooge.
I like to give gifts, but if we striped away the gift giving, what would we be left with?
Yeah, the real reason for the season: Jesus!
So, what are some practical things we can do to stay focused on Jesus this holiday season?
First, not only read the accounts in Matthew and Luke, but study them in depth.
Imagine putting yourself in Mary or Joseph’s position.
How would you have reacted to the immaculate conception, pregnancy, journey to Bethlehem, and giving birth to Jesus?
Other than Joseph, Mary may have had only one other supporter, her cousin Elizabeth, who had the joy of giving birth to John the Baptist.
It’s likely, that many in her family and community ostracized her for getting pregnant out of wedlock.
Many could not understand why Joseph did not divorce her.
Had it not been for a divine dream, Joseph would have done just that.
Can you imagine the pressure he felt taking his very pregnant wife to Bethlehem?
Did they realize that this had to happen to fulfill Micah’s prophecy that the Messiah would come out of Bethlehem.
Did God use the Roman government to make this happen because He knew that there was no other way to get Mary to agree to such a journey at that time?
Can you imagine the conversation between Joseph and Mary?
I encourage you to watch the movie, “The Nativity.”
It’s the most realistic depiction of these events that Hollywood has made.
Make a point to read Matthew and Luke’s accounts as a family and watch the movie together.
Listen to Christmas music that focuses on Jesus.
This will help you and your family to defeat the enemy’s attempt to get you distracted by the stuff of this season.
Remember that Jesus really is the Reason for this season.
Merry Christmas!
Robyn Henning
Very well stated, Robyn Henning.
Thank-you!