'Tis The Season
Christmas is just days away. We have all been busy decking our halls, dressing our trees and hanging stockings with eager anticipation. We have been listening to Christmas music since November 1st and eating our fill of all the goodies. The weather is cooperating, mostly.
I love all of these things, but I have also been eagerly anticipating Christmas Eve service at my church. We do a beautifully simple candle light service and I am always brought to my knees as I remember what this season is all about, Jesus on that Holy Night. Nothing against the churches that put on a big production for their Christmas Eve service, it’s just not my thing. Jesus wasn’t brought into the world in any spectacular fashion. He came to us, infant, Holy. Utterly dependent on Mary and Joseph, a king was sent to us. Our Savior, born in a manger, because already the world had no room for Him, what humble beginnings.
Many argue that Christ was not born on December 25th, the day we celebrate Christmas. I have no evidence to either prove or deny that, and honestly, I don’t care so much about the specific date as I do the fact that He was born to us as a Savior, the most precious gift God could ever give us. We, as a people, have decided to come together, on one day out of the year, and celebrate this. We celebrate the births of our children, grand children, our nieces and nephews with much fanfare. Giving showers and gifts in joyous expectation. This one day, we remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus. We don’t all know each other, but imagine this year how many people you are standing with as you give the gift of praise to the one true King. How the heavens REJOICE!
This time of year leaves me in awe, not because of the beautiful lights, or gifts, or the lovely winter weather, or the food I look forward to for 364 days a year! It leaves me in awe because I remember that a King was born with a specific purpose to die so that I might live. That a God who holds the Universe in His hands would look upon any of us as worthy enough to walk among His son.
This is the pinnacle of who He is-- Love, and that’s what this season is absolutely all about.
There’s a part of the song , O’ Holy Night, that makes me cry every single time. “Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love and His gospel is peace. Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother, and in His name all oppression shall cease. Let all within us praise His Holy Name.” This is the pinnacle of who He is -- Love, and that’s what this season is absolutely all about.
I pray that you all take the time in the midst of all the Christmas cheer to give the gift of praise to the very reason for this season. I pray that your hearts are full and able to pour out overflowing to others. I pray that you give more than you receive and do so with a grateful heart. I pray that you love one another with the same selfless love that God showed us on the day He sent His son.
From all of us at The Space We Share, We Wish You a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,
*My gift to you is everything that is underlined. Click on the links for a treat from Folk Angel.*
Love,
Amber