Christmas time really is the most wonderful time of the year. 'Tis the season to be jolly, eat a little too much, drink a little too much, party, have fun and enjoy yourself, and why not? We have good reason to be happy.
Whether the calendar dates are right or not, or the history and origins of Christmas a little questionable, the glorious incarnation of God and man in Christ Jesus is well worth celebrating!
We should not leave room for starchy, stoic religion at this time of year. If the angels decided to make a special appearance to let the world know their celebratory ecstasy at the good tidings of His birth, who are we to not celebrate Jesus now?
He is good news!
If the astrologers and star gazers gave the baby Jesus such significance with their worship and giving, why should we not give gifts to one another now, with the knowledge that Christ came to be revealed in us? Regardless of the variety of methods in which it can be done, the world should always be reminded that the virgin birth of Jesus is worth celebrating.
What I like most about this time of year is the overwhelming feelings of both expectation and fulfilment that begin to take over the atmosphere. There is fulfilment that comes from wrapping up another year and waving it goodbye, and also expectation, of the New Year and new beginnings that lay ahead.
Now regardless of which month Jesus was really born in, I think that those two combined feelings that come only in December, that of expectation and fulfilment, signify what is best about Jesus. He is both complete fulfilment and eager expectation wrapped up in one human being. He is the complete end of our past history, both good and evil, and the beginning of a new creation, founded on better promises and a better hope.
How could we not be happy?!
December is that month when it feels like the future and the present are somehow all of a sudden dwelling in joyful harmonious unity. How significant that this unity should come at a time when the world begins to think of the one who is the great I AM!
Yes I know all the trees and holly and different customs point to some probable pagan origins mixed in somewhere, but it wouldn't be the first time Jesus changed the nature of a party. No wedding can wane if Jesus is present. If He can turn the water into the best of wine then I'm sure He can take any tired old festival and make it into a brand new feast of joy!
Maybe our Roman Catholic friends took some inspiration from Mother Mary when it came to their Roman December festivities, and, deciding that even though they had converted and now married another (Christ), their traditional end of year party was too good to waste! So they invited and implored Jesus to change it up with some brand new wine. We should celebrate the birth of Jesus as if it is a wedding and birthday also, because that is what the incarnation is!
Enjoy Christmas
So, this Christmas, as much as possible, get into that great Christmas spirit. Don't worry about religious people telling you about being materialistic, go shopping and give lavishly, like the Magi! Giving to another is giving to Jesus, and He is worthy! Also, if anyone studies the stars and finds it leads you to my bank account number, don't hesitate to give your best... there must be at least three wise men out there.
Don't fast on a feast day, for the Son of Man came eating and drinking. Lets remember Him in such a fashion that some may want to call us a glutton and a wine bibber. Be sure to get around family and friends, no matter who they are or how they behave, and enjoy each other's fellowship, in remembrance of the one who ate and drank with tax collectors and sinners. May we not also forget to remember the orphans, the widows and the poor, for the good news of the gospel is first and foremost come unto them?
Above all let's celebrate Emmanuel, God with us. Do it in a way that people will know He really is present right here, right now, even living inside of us. What's the best way to show this glorious truth? Love one another. When the world sees our love for one another, they will join and sing, Joy to the world, the Lord is come!