"Maybe Christmas" he thought. "Doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas... Perhaps... Means a little bit more!" ~ Dr. Seuss
My very favorite time of the year is Thanksgiving Day through the end of the year. It's the best time of year because of the feeling I have in my heart. That... Christmas feeling. I long for it every day of the year and when it's finally here, I act like a kid again. I'm not sure where it comes from exactly, but I think I get it from my Mom. She's always loved Christmas. Mostly because she wanted it to be special for my brother and I. She made sure of that. And now, I do the same thing for my girls. And my Mom, being the very special Mom that she is, still makes sure that it's special for us.
There's just something about this time of year. We grow up hearing about this jolly, happy, soul, who delivers gifts to all the kids all over the world in one night. And if you are good, you get what you ask for. I know that Christmas has become more and more commercialized over the years, however I still love the idea of teaching our kids of this fictional character. Do we lie to our kids? Yes. Is it teaching our kids something other than the true meaning of Christmas? Yes. Wait... Or is it? As long as I can remember, I was in church. My Dad was a Pastor and I grew up in church my entire life. So, my parents taught me the true meaning of Christmas. They also taught me who Santa is. I wouldn't want it any other way. But what if we taught our children the true meaning of Christmas through Santa? What if God placed Santa in Christmas all those years ago to be a witness? After all, aren't we supposed to GIVE to others? Aren't we REWARDED for the good things we do on earth? Is it possible that Santa is really Jesus in disguise?
I remember when I was in my early 20's I was a youth leader at my church and I was over the Junior High kids. I remember at Christmas, God revealed something to me to share with those kids that I have thought of every single Christmas since then. When I was working on my lesson for my youth kids one night before Christmas, it hit me. Christmas is when we celebrate Jesus's birthday. Now, when it's my birthday, I get presents from those who love me. On Christmas, I get presents from those who love me, yet it's not my birthday, it's Jesus's birthday. Jesus loves us so much, that He wants us to receive gifts on His birthday. And He wants us to be reminded of the greatest gift of all. The day He died for our sins. So, my next thought process is this. What can WE do for Him on His birthday? It's simple. Just two little words is all we have to do. Adore Him.
So many Christmas songs have such heartfelt and deep lyrics. There are so many easy ways to give back to Jesus. Find a good Christmas song and sing the lyrics as loud as you can in your car. Sing the lyrics at church with a group. Go Christmas Caroling and share those lyrics with others. That's really all He wants from us. For us to Adore Him. I want to share the lyrics to a song that I shared with the youth after my lesson that night. It's called "I Won't Forget This Christmas" by Plus One.
"What if there was no manger. No wise men. No Savior.
Just another day in December.
I'd be hopeless, Oh, so hopeless.
But on that day with the angels watching, creation waiting.
You came as a baby.
Like an echo across the world, a cry was heard, and changed everything.
So I won't forget this Christmas, that I am nothing without You.
Oh, You are the star that guides my heart.
I won't forget this Christmas.
Should I get distracted, bring me back to what matters.
All the presents they, they will fade away.
You are forever. Oh, You're forever.
Nothing compares to the gift You gave, my life You saved.
And so I promise You.
I won't forget this Christmas, that I am nothing without You.
You are the star that guides my heart.
I won't forget this Christmas."
My favorite cartoon character is Linus Van Pelt from Peanuts. I especially love the Christmas episode. It will always be something I watch every year no matter what. I am sure most of you know what I'm referring to. A frustrated Charlie Brown asks if anyone can tell him the real meaning of Christmas. Linus, who is never seen without his blue blanket, steps up and tells the story found in Luke chapter 2.
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shown round about them; and they were afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Now, everyone knows that Linus never lets go of his blanket. It's a security for him. However, when he steps up to read this story, he drops his blanket. He doesn't need his security anymore because He is speaking of his Savior. We all have those insecurities in life that make us hold on to things. But, we don't have to. That baby that was born that day, we belong to Him! That same baby who lived only 33 years on earth before dying for our sins, we belong to Him! And we should do nothing less but ADORE HIM every single day of our life. And to quote my little buddy Linus, "That's what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown."
2019 was a hard year for me. But I'm still here, by nothing but the grace of God. I know why I'm still standing and I acknowledge it. I know that Christmas Feeling that I spoke of earlier can be there all the time. It's not about the gifts that are under the tree, it's about the ones who are around it. Make sure you remember that this Christmas and every day of the year. Christmas is about so much more than the commercialized side of it. So, this Christmas when you are buying gifts for the ones you love, ADORE HIM. While you wrap those gifts and put them under your tree, ADORE HIM. While you are in line at Wal-Mart, ADORE HIM. While you cook that wonderful meal for your family, ADORE HIM. While you are spending time with those you love this Christmas, ADORE HIM. Because it really is all because of HIM.
"Oh come let us adore him, Oh come let us adore him, Oh come let us adore him, Christ the Lord."
