Christmas Already?

     Wow, is it really time to “Deck the halls with boughs of holly”? Everywhere we look someone has something to sell us that we just can’t live without! Does buying more gifts really bring joy and happiness? Have you ever asked yourself what do I really need and what is the true meaning of Christmas?

     Some will say it’s about St. Nick with his reindeer and sleigh full of presents or a week of vacation from work and school. Others will say it’s about a baby in a manger that came to earth so long ago. That is part of it, but why did Jesus really come to earth and what did it accomplish?  As an adult Jesus demonstrated forgiveness and self-sacrifice. If we miss that part we miss the true meaning of the celebration. Look around at the messages we hear:

• Live like everything is about you, constantly chasing things that ultimately leave you empty.
• Climb the corporate ladder to gain power and wealth no matter who you step on or what you have to do to get to the top.
• Movies and TV seem to scream knock anyone out of the way that stands in your way.
• Grab all the sexual experience you can no matter who you hurt.
• Take whatever drug or other experience you need for a high and to escape reality.
• Even the fastest growing religion preaches hate and violence against those who slander or offend them.

     We should use this time of year to search our hearts, forgive those who have wronged us, and reach out to those less fortunate than ourselves. Ask Jesus to forgive us for our failures. Could we become part of the solution, a world of love and forgiveness? People that understand why Jesus came and know him personally. People that walk and talk with Jesus all the time. People with true peace and joy in our heart, even through difficult times. And when our walk on this earth comes to an end, assurance that we will be welcomed into a fantastic life here after, with Jesus!!  

     Prayer – Lord Jesus forgive me for my failures and things I do wrong. Help me to forgive those around me who have wronged me. Guide my life from here on, walk with me and guide my way. When I have a tough day, please put someone in my path that knows You and will encourage me. Help me to do the same for those I meet along the way. Amen

Glenn Kreider