Christmas is my favourite time of the year. Growing up, we focused on activities that became traditions leading up to, and for the duration of, the festive period. As an adult, I choose to ensure that the traditions have lived on. Whether that means I’m brainstorming gifts in October, singing carols in November or pulling out festive décor in December, there’s just something about Christmas.
Why so festive?
I’ve spent a lot of time wondering what makes the season so exceptionally important to me. Am I attached to the traditions? Do I look forward to spending the day with family? Am I taken by a catchy jingle?
My answer is all of the above. The season, and I say season, is about the hope of Christ, the hope of salvation, and the hope of a promise fulfilled. Luke chapter 2, verse 10 is a beautiful illustration of the hope of the season.
“But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people."” (Luke chapter 2, verse 10).
There is hope in knowing that joy is on the horizon. There is hope in knowing that you don’t have to be afraid anymore. Hope is what marks the season. Whether you’re hustling at work, catching up on studies or hiding out until the hype dies down, the hope of Christmas cannot be denied.
Hope starts with a spark…
The promise of a Saviour was prophesied long before the shepherds heard the news. Hope may lie dormant all year long, and you may feel that all hope is lost, but all you need is a spark to remind you of a promise that will not be forgotten.
The turning of the tide, the change of the season, planning gifts for loved ones in October is all a part of the spark that reminds you of the hope of Christmas. The hope of a season of joy, the anticipation of the fulfilment of promise brings joy that no one can take from you.
… and spreads like wildfire
Hope may seem small, but it changes your posture. A little bit of hope can spread like wildfire if given the chance to grow. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that the flames we fan are the ones that are allowed to grow. That’s why Christmas is the best time of the year.
The festive season is about more than tradition, family, food and spreading love and cheer. It’s about hope. Fanning the flames of hope, of the birth of our Saviour, also fans the flames of our identity and purpose and the surety of more than we could ever begin to imagine. Let us not spend the season in hiding, but spread joy and hope. Hope changes you; it changes your posture and perspective.