Finding The Spirit Of Christmas

Have you ever wondered what creates the Spirit of Christmas? There are Christmas carols playing, catalogs featuring toys for every age of child (and adult), households and bakeries making candy and cookies, holiday decorations and Santa Claus is everywhere you look, but what is the true Spirit of Christmas? All this excitement pales in comparison to the true celebration of the season – when the Son of Man came to earth to separate us from the darkness and show us the light. I know that many do not believe this, and that is their right, but those are my beliefs. Over the years, Christmas and the way we celebrate it has changed a lot. We used to wish people Merry Christmas, but now it is more acceptable to say happy holidays or season’s greetings. And what happened to all the public displays of the manger scene of the baby Jesus’ birth? Not many to be found anymore! For many, Christmas has become a time to promote good will to others, and that is a good thing (many of us put money into the Salvation Army kettle and give generously to other charities during this time of the year). It is a good time for all, and now we can buy gifts for our friends and family. So, is the “Spirit of Christmas” decorations, food and gifts, or is it parties and other celebrations full of holiday cheer? Well, no, however I do encourage you to enjoy the season and all those things, as it only comes once a year. But, does the noise and people rushing around sometimes get to you? Do you find yourself trying to seek some solace and peace? When you do seek some quiet time, you may hear a small voice. If so, do not ignore it – listen and then seek, if you dare. Elijah the prophet wished to seek the voice of God. This was God’s revelation to Elijah, as told in 1 Kings 19: 11-12 (NKJ): Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into
the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. Elijah found God in that still small voice. When Jesus, Son of Man, came into this world he was not born into riches as a king. He was ushered into this world in a crude shelter for animals, the poorest of the poor. He came to the world as an infant with a still small voice. Who needs all this? We are talking about something the happened over 2,000 years ago. That is ancient history. Is it? We still celebrate His birth and many listen to that small voice. If you have a quiet moment this season, try talking to Jesus. You have nothing to lose and yet you may gain more than you realize. Here’s wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!