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The Reason
by Wayne Everett Harris
Jesus is the reason. Jesus makes Christmas. Without Jesus, Christmas is like being all dressed up with nowhere to go.
God cared enough to send His only begotten Son. The gift is Jesus. All other gifts are just dressing. He is the main gift. He is enough.
We will give gifts and enjoy doing so. We will greet one another. Music will surround the Christmas festivities. People will put on plays. Charles Dickens will headline. The late Jimmy Stewart will warm our hearts with “It’s a Wonderful Life” and we will remember Christmas from days long ago.
There will be holly and mistletoe. Lights will outline homes and people will sing carols. Candy exchanges and card sending will take place.
Christmas is a grand time. Jesus is the reason. What this is all about is the baby born of a virgin. Once again, He will remind us how much He loves us. He gave His only begotten Son. The Salvation Army will ring the bells in front of stores. Let the ringing remind you how wonderful Christmas is. We have a God who loves us.
Those with snow will sleigh ride. Others will ski. Around the globe, there will be celebrating and laughter.
We will drink hot cocoa or cider. Homemade candy will please our palates. As great as all of this is, it is not the reason. It revolves around the reason. It is all about Jesus.
Is the 25th of December the correct date of His birth? I am not as concerned about the date as I am about my attitude concerning His glorious birth. Take away mistletoe and hot cider. We still worship Jesus.
For those who have Christ living in our hearts, each day is the day to celebrate Jesus. He is Lord of whatever day pops up on the calendar. He is the King of kings every day.
I do not get upset over people trying to stop the exhibition of nativity scenes. I love nativity scenes. I like to see them in people’s yards. I enjoy them immensely. I have been in some rough places without the nativity scenes and Jesus was alive and well in those places. I had Christmas with or without the nativity scenes. Jesus in my heart is all I need to have a grand Christmas.
Do not get me wrong. I do not like it when people try to tell me I cannot have a nativity scene in my yard. When they say baby Jesus offends them, I am displeased. Nevertheless, I will celebrate Jesus if they strip every vestige of God from December 25. I will enjoy my Lord no matter what.
A glorious Father who loves me can make my Christmas victorious. As I stare at the stars, I rejoice in the Lord. I am so grateful that He did not leave me in a dismal situation without hope.
I think of Joseph and Mary and feel thankful to them for caring for my Messiah. They took care of the most precious gift of all. “Away in a manger, no crib for a bed” touches my heart. “Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright” is how I feel in my heart. Add some snow flurries and I will barely be able to contain myself.
Christmas makes me want to sing. I want to sing about my Savior. It does me good to know that singing angels might interrupt me. “Hark, the herald angels sing, glory to the newborn king.”
Memories of loved ones who have gone on to be with the Lord pop into my head. I may even shed a tear for memory sake. It is all part of this season.
Thank You, Father. Another Christmas is here. You have given me so many reasons to rejoice. I rejoice in You, Lord.
Thank You for warming my heart. I imagine the Magi following the star that froze in the sky over the baby. I smile when I think of how they gave gifts and worshiped the Lord of all.
Surely, You made the Magi happy. I want to wish You a Merry Christmas, Father. Thank You for another Christmas.
Drop me a line when you get a chance. My address is: wayne3222@att.net
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