As I sit and think about all of the things I should be doing and all of my favorite traditions I'm missing, I am reminded that Christmas really isn't about any of it those things. Christmas happens whether or not I make it to the Christmas Eve service at church. It happens whether or not I get to drive around and enjoy lights, while listening to Christmas music and sipping my peppermint latte. It happens regardless of how many gifts I have purchased and lovingly (or hastily) wrapped.
Christmas happened a really long time ago because our God wanted to relate to us. He sent Himself in the form of a baby, the most vulnerable life form possible, so that He could experience human life and relate to us. That is HUGE. He understands life. He gets it. He knows what it is like to grow up, to be tired, to be hungry, to work, to feel betrayal, to be tempted, and so much more. Christmas happened because God loved us so much, He gave us Jesus. He gave US Jesus. Christmas happened a really long time and it continues to happen every year, because we celebrate our Savior. The Savior the world waited for after so many, many years of thinking God was seemingly silent.
Christmas is about remembering Jesus. Plain and simple. May your hearts be filled with peace this year as you celebrate our Prince of Peace.
"Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name."
