As I sit here on Christmas Eve, the anticipation begins to build. No matter if you are young or old, everyone stops for a moment on this Christmas eve, as the old familiar carols play, and will think of their hopes and dreams, presents and sweets, and family and friends. It is a time like no other. Christmas Day is the only day of the year where the entire world stops for a day. Even wars have called a truce on this day. Peace. A time to celebrate the day God chose to make Himself known to all mankind in a personal way. Jesus Christ. And for all that Jesus represents to the world – peace, love, forgiveness, joy, kindness, understanding, compassion, helping the poor. No other person, no other religion, no other doctrine, can offer what Jesus offers. We as human beings, will squabble and disagree from time to time among ourselves – after all, none of us are perfect; but on this one day, the anticipation builds to the coming of that day from two thousand years ago, when God came to earth in the form of a baby in the manger. The world has never since been the same.
The anticipation of it all. The time when the world is quiet and we reflect back on the year and realize everything culminates into this one day – our families, our hard work, the struggles – it is all for this one day. For Jesus. For God so loved the world. It is the time when strangers greet you with a smile, we all sing Christmas carols and laugh at the silly elves and flying reindeer, and grown adults still put cookies out for Santa. The world lightens up a little, and we forget our troubles, even if for one day. Why? Because we have chosen to focus on the good on this day, and the source of all things good. God.
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Philippians 4:18
Merry Christmas!
