Who Is The Reason?

Fair warning! My writing is going to seem more like ramblings. I can't seem to collect my thoughts and write them in a coherent way this afternoon. My humble apologies, as this may read a bit choppy.

That's me, over there on the left, in December 1975. Yep, at the ripe old age of 4 I went down to the Truck Salvage to tell Santa Claus what it was I wanted for Christmas! I can't tell ya what it was I asked for or even remember the day to save my life. But I love this picture just THE same.

I thought it only fitting to include a Christmas photo, since this post is all about Christmas. But this photo doesn't show the REAL Reason For The Season, does it?

From December 1975 to December 2009, a whole lot of years have passed by. Thirty-four to be exact and they went by entirely too fast! Take this year for instance, it's passing away swiftly. I can't believe the Christmas season is upon us already. Where has the year gone? Shoot, before I know it, we'll all be saying farewell to 2009 and ringing in the New Year of 2010!

What? 2010 already! Say it isn't so! It can't be! Lets not go there yet, I'm just not ready! Back on subject here, Christmas time, that is the REASON for this post.

Christmas is one of my favorite times of year. It's the time of year when everything seems so warm and fuzzy. Christmas music begins to be played, families are decorating Christmas trees and baking cookies, Christmas lights adorn our cities and towns, the sound of bells can be heard from the local Salvation Army bell ringers, Santa Claus has arrived to hear eager children whisper their wishes into his ear, snow is on its way and MOST IMPORTANTLY the Advent season begins. That preparation, anticipation and celebration of the coming of the Christ child, the Nativity, our Savior's birth. JESUS is, after all, the Reason For The Season.

Jesus, the Christ child, God's miraculous gift to us all. A Savior wrapped in swaddling clothes, laid in a manger, marked by a bright star as foretold. If you have never or again if you have already, I recommend seeing a live Nativity scene. There IS nothing more beautiful, more inspiring and humbling than seeing a live recreation of that night. As the song says, that silent and holy night when Christ was BORN.

Every Christmas season we remember that miraculous night, when God bestowed upon us His marvelous gift. We celebrate with lighted candles, decorated Christmas trees topped with a star, Christmas carols and hymns, and THE exchanging of gifts one to another. It is a time of year for peace on earth and good will towards man.

This season I am making an extra effort to keep Christmas what it is, CHRISTmas. I won't be saying 'Happy Holidays.' I will, however, be wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!

May you all be richly blessed and experience the peace and joy of Christmas like a CHILD.

Write down the bold/italic words from this post to find out what I think the real meaning of Christmas is.