Christmas Eve

12-24-2009
Christmas Eve

As you hurry about doing all you can to prepare for Christmas morning, may you remember the true meaning of Christmas. It’s not about presents, eating, and the like; it’s about the celebration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I heard Jim Johnson, pastor at Preston Trail Community Church in Frisco, Texas say, “Don’t put Christmas in a box.” In other words, Christmas isn’t about giving or getting presents. It’s this time of year we are reminded to give, but why don’t we give regularly? As a reminder to give year round, Jim’s suggestion was to leave one Christmas decoration up year round to remind you to give regularly to those in need. We should celebrate Christ every day of our lives, therefore, don’t put your Christmas attitude in a box once the season ends. Let’s keep the right attitude at all times, and maybe we won’t have a lot of the problems we have.

After visiting a homeless shelter recently, I was blown away at the giving that takes place during the Christmas season. The director informed me they are blessed tremendously with volunteers offering to feed the homeless around Christmas time, but no one wants to volunteer during the year. This is a perfect example of putting Christmas in a box. Again, I think it’s great that Christmas reminds us to give and think of others, but we are called to do this all the time! As believers in Christ we have two commandments of most importance, to love God above everything, and to love your neighbor. One of the greatest ways to show love to someone in need is to provide for them.

As this season comes and goes, my prayer for all of us is that we keep the Christmas box open year round. Do something to remind you of this season. Make a commitment to feed the homeless once a month, or provide for someone in need. After all, it’s much better to give than to receive!

Application:
1. Stay focused on Jesus Christ during the celebration of Christmas
2. Take action to help those in need year round