IS JESUS YOUR REASON FOR THIS SEASON?

 
Ho, ho, ho Merry Christmas! What is it all about anyway? Santa Claus or baby Jesus? Which is first place in your Christmas celebration? Look around you and most of this celebration seems to appear like a big end of year party. How many people realize the importance of this special day? Sure we give gifts because it is symbolic of the wise men bringing gifts to the baby Jesus but what about all the other stuff? The houses lined in lights, the inflatable snowmen, the candy canes lining drive ways, the Santa Clauses everywhere you look. Do people really get it? 

One of my favorite family Christmas ornaments is one of Santa Claus kneeling at the manger with his red velvet cap off paying honor to the newborn king of Kings baby Jesus. It to me symbolizes this wonderful day in the most special of ways.  Tis the season to be jolly and tis the season to be with family if you live close enough but it is also the season to not forget why we have this special day in the first place. It is not just about ham and pumpkin pie.

Do you have the real joy of this season in your heart are you too stressed out from shopping, baking, and decorating to really even care? 

1 Thessalonians 5:16 says to "rejoice always!" Can you do this? Is your heart set apart for Jesus and full of his joy the other days of the year. 1 Peter 1:8 says "whom not having seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory."

Let Jesus be your true joy every single day of the year and not just one day when you frantically open gifts and say "oh yeah, it is Jesus birthday too." Jesus truly is the reason for this season! Let Him be Lord of your life today and every day. 

PRAYER: I am excited about Christmas because it is a happy time but it is a time to really remember the reason for living in the first place. Thanks Lord for all you have done and for giving us hope each and every day to live. In Jesus name. Amen. 

Click on the link for a new twist on a familiar Christmas carol, Joy to the World, sung by Chris Tomlin. Be blessed.
http://youtu.be/tC3SwhJsLqU