My viewpoint on Christmas

Christmas is not a holiday of "stuff". It is not about the gifts, it is not about the food. Christmas is not focused on the decorations or the size of the tree. It is not about what you wear or which Christmas Eve service you go to. 

Christmas is about two things: giving and thanking.

GIVING: We give to others because Christ gave His all for us. As Christians our goal is to be like Christ. Christ gave so we give. Don't focus on what you're getting but on what you're giving. Be excited that others get to enjoy the presents you gave them. Christmas has turned into a season of splurging for ourselves. We say, "Oh, it's Christmas, it's the 'big' present of the year, so I better ask for something really big." We forget what we are giving and put all our focus on what we're getting. Christ gave Himself and in return, we need to give Him our lives.

THANKING: We need to thank God for humbling Himself to be born on this earth. He was the Most High King; lavished in riches and glory in heaven. He gave it all up to be born here and be a nobody; a mere carpenter's son. Then eventually, those he loved most betrayed Him. They chose a thief over their King and begged for Him to be crucified. But that's another story. The point is, Christ gave up all of his glory to save us and we need to thank Him. He is our humble King. 

I want you to try something. Tomorrow morning, before you wake everyone up and tear into your presents, take a moment or two to thank God and give Him the honor He deserves. Acknowledge who He is and realize how blessed you are to have so many wonderful things waiting for you, wrapped in colorful paper. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVqqj1v-ZBU

With love for the Most High King.

Yours truly,

SD