Forgotten Christmas

Some of my favorite childhood memories are from Christmas time. The Christmas season unofficially kicked-off for me at my younger brother’s Birthday on December 2nd, followed by mine on the 16th. We would usually get our Christmas tree on my Birthday. Those days leading up to Christmas were filled with excitement and anticipation. Just like the old song goes, “They know that Santa’s on his way. He’s bringing lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh.” Ah yes, just remembering those days as a young boy brings back those special Christmas-time feelings: Santa, presents, eggnog, Christmas trees, Christmas carols, jingle bells, Rudolph- you get my drift.

Since those childhood Christmas years, I’ve become a follower of Jesus Christ so Christmas has a different meaning. Back then, Christmas wasn’t centered on Jesus, but rather Santa Clause and presents. I think I was 12 or so before my Mom broke the news to me that Santa wasn’t real. (My 8 year old just asked if Santa was real a couple of months ago.) Celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, the One who created me; the One who saved me and gave me eternal life with Him; the One who gave me new life; the One who loves me, is so much more meaningful than celebrating a day that symbolizes our own consumerism and selfishness. The Lord of all creation came to earth as a man, to save us from our sins for eternity- this should be our focus and our celebration at Christmas. Sadly, there are many, many people who have not heard about Jesus or what He’s done for all of mankind and are therefore dying and spending eternity in hell, apart from God. Do you or I really care? Or should we care? It is only the eternity of our friends and family. Or, do we care more about getting those new golf clubs, hosting the perfect Christmas party, finding that perfect gift, or giving more toys to our children?

This Christmas, will you consider giving the Greatest Gift of All to your friends and family? Jesus says in John 3:16, “For 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” and in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” The gift of Jesus and the life that he offers is greater than any other gift that we could give or receive. So consider celebrating Jesus this year and taking him up on his offers of eternal life and life to the full. Francis Chan says in his book, Forgotten God, "If you are still alive on this planet, it is because He has something for you to do. He placed us on this earth for purposes that He orchestrated long before we were born (Eph. 2:8-10). Do you believe you exist not for your own pleasure but to help people know the love of Jesus and to come fully alive in Him? If so, then that will shape how you live your life in the place where you are."

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