The Love of Christmas

The other day I was listening to a group of people discuss (complain about) their holiday plans and all that they had yet to do.

Many had shopping left to do and things to bake, some had a lot of parties and engagements they had to attend, and some were at a loss as to what to get certain people on their christmas list.

And as I listened, I found myself wondering if that was all there was to christmas anymore.

Had christmas really been reduced to shopping days and parties? Had it really just come down to stuff to buy and who not to forget on our lists?

I pondered these questions in my heart, and heres what I came up with:

The first gift ever given for Christmas was love.

And it was given in love.

So its perfectly okay for us to buy gifts for those who mean something to us and those we want to bless in a special way. The giving of gifts is symbolic to what was given to us on that first christmas night.

But is Christmas just about gifts?

And its perfectly okay to come together with friends and family to celebrate the festiveness of the holiday and to celebrate this special occasion with those we love. Even the angels celebrated that first Christmas right?

But though we have reason to celebrate, Christmas goes beyond celebrations and family gathering.

So what is Christmas about?!!?

Love.

For always.

Gifts are forgotten, and celebrations become memories. But love? Love lives on in our hearts for always.

And when I look at it from that perspective, it makes Christmas something different for me.

Afterall, it was love that made the difference for us all that first Christmas. Love didn't just come that we might celebrate and bless each other for one day. It came that we might know love every day and be blessed because of it.

I'm keeping it simple this year. I'm celebrating the Love of Christmas and the One who gives me that love everyday.

And my wish for you?

That the Love that is Christmas, be yours too.

For always.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!