To many, Christmas means a wish for snow or gifts or parties. But what does Christmas mean, really? To me it means family, togetherness, and, most of all, the celebration of Christ's birth.
No, December 25 may not be the actual day of His birth, but since we don't know for sure the day, rather night, he was born, December 25 is as good a representation as any date. The weather the night the angels appeared was cool, even cold. In the area around Bethlehem, that time of year is quite cool to cold. Therefore the weather matches at least.
However, we know the where and why and the who. What else do we need to know?
The shepherds celebrated, but not by having a party or over imbibing. They celebrated by visiting the babe in the manger and worshiping Him. When the magi appeared some time later, they brought the first Christmas gifts and began the practice of giving to others.
We often make lists of all the "things" we would like to receive for Christmas, but do we look outside ourselves to discover what we can give to others? Yes, I like receiving as much as anyone does, even when I know there will be nothing in my stocking except my leg and nothing under the tree with my name, but I much more enjoy giving gifts to others, as much as I can. When I was younger, I gave time and services when I didn't have funds. Now, my body doesn't work well enough to do that, but I can still bake and make items to give.
Being with family is an important part of Christmas for me. Some day I hope all my family can and will be together on Christmas, without it being for a funeral. Until, and if, that day comes, I like spending the Christmas season with as much of my family as possible. Tuesday evening, we'll be at a granddaughter's with her family and her sister's family. We'll be with two granddaughters and their husbands as well as great-grandchildren.
Christmas Eve, I'll be in church, celebrating with my church family. Sometime Christmas day we will drive to the home of our youngest's wife's family to have dinner with good friends and part of the family.
Throughout the season, the sorrows that hide in the shadows will be pushed aside to celebrate the greatest gift to mankind -- Jesus Christ. I'm thankful.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
5 comments:
Vivian, I'm with you about Christmas. Good to keep our mind on what's really important. Your Christmas plans sound heavenly. Enjoy. I'm looking for visits from all 3 daughter, 2 sons-in-law & 3 grandchildren. The dinner & presents involved are just the icing on my Christmas cake. Love you.
Merry Christmas, Janet. May you and your family enjoy your time together and the real meaning of Christmas.
Giving is far more fun anyway!
Despite so many claims that Christmas is about something else, it's still about the birth of Jesus in our house.
What a beautiful post, Vivian. It's so easy to get wrapped up in all the hoopla this time of year. When things are tough, however, it's easier to sit back and be thankful for what we already have. We're having to do that this year, as times are tough.
Merry Christmas to you and your family! I hope you have a blessed holiday season!
Rena
Robert is working on loading a small power chair in my van so we can go to our granddaughters' to have a Christmas get together with that small branch of the family. Thankfully, there will be help to unload his chair and reload for us to come home.
Each blessing is appreciated and brings thanksgiving.
Merry Christmas.
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