There's a Reason We Celebrate Christmas...It's Not for Little Smokies & Cheese Balls

Today is December 21st. Christmas is only 4 days away. I am dealing with a full of a range of emotions on the inside all while trying to handle everything that needs to be done. 

 Stress: This year seems so different. We've had to cancel two family events due to conflicts. Two of my nieces can't make it to the immediate family gathering due to work schedules. My in-laws are basically housebound now due to my father-in-law's health, so that situation is different and somewhat difficult. I can't seem to get all of our gifts purchased -- where did the time go??

 Excitement: At work, I've been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from some of the congregation (I'm a church secretary). I've received a number of gifts, goodies, & cards. It has been very sweet and touching. We've been able to have some friends over to the house that we haven't seen in a long time (along with some other friends). We are hoping to continue our tradition of eating Chinese food on Christmas Day with some of the immediate family. We had a lot of fun last year. This is in addition to our family Christmas and hopefully, one of our nieces that is missing the earlier event will be able to eat with us.

 While all of this is going on, I just want to take time to remind you of the REAL reason we celebrate Christmas. All of this stuff is wonderful and makes for special memories, but if we lose sight of WHY we are celebrating then it is meaningless. It is not about the presents, parties, or even if your whole family gets together. Hey, I love Little Smokies & cheese balls as much as the next person, but there is more to this season than party food and presents!

 Take time to read the REASON we celebrate...

"The Birth of Jesus Christ

2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 
“Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them."
Luke 2:1-20


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