CELEBRATE

One of my good friends made me quite nostalgic today as I read of his memories of Christmas when life was "innocent". For him, it was Tonka Trucks. For me, it was Barbie dolls and the Suzy Homemaker Oven. I'm sure that most of us can remember bikes and skates and games. My friend reminded us of cookies and Christmas goodies being baked. Oh, how I love the aroma of Christmas.

My mother would always give the house a good Christmas cleaning, such as the Spring cleaning. She was a seamstress and would make new drapes and curtains for the house. Daddy would do the decorating outdoors. I remember the house really being lit up beautifully. And oh how I remember our Christmas tree. I loved that silver tree and to do this day, I still seek one.

I remember the Christmas pageants at school. I will never forget that I once played the role of Ghost of Christmas Future because I was so quiet. The teacher didn't think that I would speak up loud enough for a speaking role. As this ghost, all I had to do was point!  I remember my big brother Michael playing the trombone in the school band, and I so loved the Christmas concert.  I remember he and I also playing Christmas music on the piano. I particularly loved to play, "Jolly Old St. Nicholas".

I remember singing in the choir at church and our Christmas programs. Then, in high school, I sang in the choir and we learned so many songs so well under the direction of Mrs. Patricia Sallier Seals. I believe we began preparing for the Christmas program when school began each year. Our showstopper was our finale performance with the band - Handel's Messiah (the Hallelujah Chorus).

So many memories of Christmas. But, today, a question came to mind. How do you REALLY celebrate Christmas? All of these memories are great, and I pray I never forget them. At this juncture in my life, you will hear or read me stressing the importance of not forgetting what has become a cliche, "Jesus is the reason for the season."

He is! Absolutely He is. We can never forget that the reason we commemorate Christmas is to recognize, acknowledge, and to worship God for the birth of Jesus the Christ. I don't like to use the term "birthday" because that gives the connotation that His life began at the immaculate conception and divine birth. This is not true because Christ always existed.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.² He was with God in the beginning." John 1:1-2 (NIV)

But our observance is to focus on the fact that He entered the world as our Savior through the Holy birth as prophesied. 

 "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)

The question remains. How do you truly celebrate? I am not knocking the family gatherings, the gift giving, and the love and goodwill. We should do this. In fact, we should do this throughout the year.  We should help one another, as this is what God instructs us to do anyway. We should be happy and rejoiceful.  But, how do YOU celebrate the coming of our Savior?

I had to answer this myself because I know it's not me asking the question. So, I had to think, and as I did so, I allowed the same Spirit to minister to me that's asking the question.

Christmas is not about me at all. My celebration has to come from within me. I must fervently focus on the miracle and blessing that God performed through His Son.....for me!  This is when I factor into the situation. When I recognize what He's done for me! For me! Yes, for me! December 25th means absolutely nothing other than it being a date on the Gregorian calendar which follows the 24th and precedes the 26th.  However, the advent of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ should highlight and be the core of my celebration at all times. 

Ever wonder why the date of Jesus' birth is not noted in the Bible? I don't believe that the date is important. Why do we think that God would want us to focus on His gift to us only on a certain day of the year?  Yet, since we are so conditioned to do so, ask yourself, do I really do so?

Yes, let's have the family and loved ones unity, love, and togetherness. Let's help others. Let's sing the songs, eat the food, and open the gifts. But let's most importantly reflect, focus, and concentrate on the miracle of eternal life we've been afforded. It becomes personal. Only you can answer the question, do I REALLY celebrate?

Merry Christmas!

Carla