What Christmas Isn't

They say that it's the most wonderful time of the year.

This is true, but over the centuries, it is so far from what it is,

that it is hard to keep it what it is.

One thing that it's become and is not, is a Martha Stewart Christmas.

The one with the perfect decorations and coordinating wrapping paper & ribbons!

It's not about the perfect dinner with all the trimmings.

Like this Norman Rockwell painting.

It's not Hollywood or Hallmark idea of what it is.

It's not about Santa Clause or shopping until you drop. or maxing out your credit cards.

It's about a world in darkness and sin.

It's about a loving God and a promise of redemption.
It's about the greatest gift ever given

"God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,

that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

"And there were shepheds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the lord. This will be a sign to you:You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
When the angel had left them and gon into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Behtlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them." Luke 2:8-18

"The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told," Luke 2:19-20


This is what Christmas is about,
a loving God,
a promise,
a hope. a future .

Now, I am not a shepherd, but I have heard and I have found the promise that was foretold so many years ago. Yet, like the shepherds, I will spread the word concerning what had been told about this child. I will tell of the promise of God who so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

So I celebrate what happened in a manger and was completed on a cross.I too glorify and sing praises to God for His promise and His great gift!