Christmas has long been referred to as “the most wonderful time of the year.” “Christmas” means “the presence of Christ.” It is the time of year that we celebrate His coming to the world, His virgin birth, God taking on flesh to seek and to save that which was lost.
Christmas is a time of giving. “Joy to the world, the Lord has come” is so pervasive that we express it by giving to one another.
Christmas is a time of singing. Some of the most popular and memorable songs that come to our minds throughout the year are Christmas songs.
Christmas is a time of expectation. From an early age, we began counting down the days until Christmas. Whether we mark days off on a calendar or we open a cardboard door on a poster to reveal another piece of chocolate to eat, expectation is woven into the fabric of the celebration.
Christmas is a time of family and friendships. Many of us take time to see family and friends during this time of year and remedy the distance that has separated us in the rest of the year. Isn’t that why so many of us send scores of Christmas cards out, just to say, “Merry Christmas”? We are expressing the reality of our continued connection.
Isaiah 9:6 says, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
God is the great giver. 2 Corinthians 9:15 says, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” God so loved the world that He gave- unto us. Our giving is a reflection of His giving. But this great gift is meaningless until we recognize our great need. All of the Old Testament set the stage of anticipation of a coming Redeemer, the Seed of the Woman who would reverse the curse. The familiar Christmas song calls man to “Seek the great Desire of Nations.” We must cultivate this spirit of anticipation of the coming Christ by remembering our great need, One to save us from our sins. That will cause us to then bubble up in our hearts with great joy, joy too great to just be expressed with words. It must be in song! He came so that guilty sinners might be drawn near to know God. His name shall be called… Christ came in order that we might know God. He is the powerful revelation from heaven that God has set His love on sinful man- what a Christmas card! Our rekindling of family relationships and friendships should set our minds on this wonderful reality of Christ who came as the message of God that He welcomes sinners.
This is how Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.
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