As a family, our Christmas tradition starts on Dec 1st when we decorate the tree and turn on the lights – it simply never gets old! This year, my son, Tommy, created a special hot cocoa recipe with cinnamon, peppermint and the works. Now all I have to do to get a chocolate treat is place an order for Tommy’s Christmas special!
As much as I enjoy the traditions and fanfare of Christmas, this year I am reminding myself to put as much effort and thought into preparing my heart for Christmas. Beyond the lights, gifts and food, what does Christmas mean to me?
In one word – LOVE
Christmas reminds me of how much I am loved by God! It warms my heart to realize that the God of the universe cares so much about me that He would send His son into the world to show me how to live a victorious life and then ultimately give His life in exchange for mine.
[Tweet “Christmas reminds me of my worth – I am worth the life of Jesus.”]
How could I ever let anything convince me otherwise? How could I let the minutia of life take my eyes off the value that God places on me? God sent Jesus into the world because He values me. I need to learn to value myself accordingly and walk in the fullness of who I am.
YOU ARE PART OF A MASTER PLAN
Christmas provides a powerful reminder that there is a grand plan and we are an important part of the plan.
“For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
When the days are difficult or the path unclear, we can trust God and remember that Jesus is our Immanuel (God with us). The fact that God is with us provides the strength to keep going and rejoice in the privilege of life.
His presence frees us to kick back and enjoy the season and declare like the angels:
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14
What does Christmas mean to you?
