The Christmas decorations are all up in stores, carols are blasting, and the weather is heating up! (For us here in the Australia at least! Apologies for those reading this in the Northern Hemisphere).
It is that time of the year, as we get closer at closing out yet another year, and it often is a time that we find ourselves bombarded with catch-ups, social events, Christmas Parties and so on—but I was reminded today of the real meaning of Christmas and making sure this attitude filters into every season of my life.
Remember the Why
In Isaiah 9 verses 6 - 7 (NIV) it says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Throughout this beautiful Christmas season, we hear the words; Love, Joy and Peace. From the words written on cards or baubles we can lose sight of the one thing that matters as we worry about what presents we need to buy for the kids or what meals need to be cooked or perhaps it’s the time of the year that brings anxiety because family who haven’t spoken all year to one another are coming over.
Freedom & Hope in the Narrative
The Christmas story may not be one that you have ever truly understood, but I do believe it is one that brings freedom and hope. Despite the hallmark traditions or family gatherings, there is true hope in Jesus who was born at this time long ago and we get to celebrate each year that he was not only born but also raised from death for our sins.
In Galatians 4 verses 4 - 5 (MSG) it says, “But when the time arrived that was set by God the Father, God sent his Son, born among us of a woman, born under the conditions of the law so that he might redeem those of us who have been kidnapped by the law.”
At this time of the year I am reminded that we each have an opportunity to come into the season of joy, fun and laughter with also a spirit of gratitude, thankfulness and grace to give others.
It may be finding the freedom to forgive someone who has hurt you or apologising to those you have hurt and to reconcile, or perhaps it is reaching out and helping someone else in need with what you have in your hand or maybe it’s something else to be thankful for.
After all, tis the season!
Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas & Happy New Year!
Meenal Chandra is a newlywed writer based in Sydney, Australia. Meenal loves to travel, cook, read and tackle the real, authentic issues that we face everyday. Meenal Chandra’s previous articles may be viewed at: www.pressserviceinternational.org/meenal-chandra.html