Millions of people around the world celebrate Christmas. People adorn Christmas trees with family heirlooms, prepare lavish meals to be savored by family and friends, and share personally selected gifts with loved ones. Some people spend weeks preparing for Christmas, ensuring that every single ornament is hanging on the precise branch and making sure the cookies have the perfect ratio of sprinkles to frosting. Yet for many people who look forward to this splendid holiday, they are disappointed on December 26th. Why? Christmas does not always live up to their high expectations. For others, the idea that the holidays are over is a letdown of monumental proportions. But as someone once said, all good things must come to an end. But does Christmas truly have to end? Is there a reason we cannot keep Christmas in our hearts all year long?

Christmas is one of my favorite times of year. My Dad and I leave our Christmas decorations up until after February 7th, my Mom’s birthday. She always loved Christmas and wanted to enjoy the decorations a little bit longer. Although she passed away ten years ago, we continue this tradition in her honor. As much as I love the warm, inviting glow of the Christmas lights in our living room, keeping our Christmas tree around a little longer is certainly a welcome sight.

During the holidays, I love the fact you can go into almost any store or restaurant and hear the classic carols of Christmas sounding forth on the loudspeakers. Christmas garland adorns most every window frame and beautifully decorated trees seem to sprout from nearly every corner. It seems like nothing can dampen the Christmas spirit, as individuals smile a little wider, give more generously, and love more deeply. Even so, there is one aspect of Christmas that makes everything else seem insignificant. The most important part of Christmas is the celebration of the birthday of the King.

Yet, the commercialization of Christmas often results in the baby Jesus figurine repeatedly getting placed on the proverbial shelf, if you will, with everyone and everything else. But if we focus on the true reason for Christmas, it will become clear that baby Jesus does not belong next to the “Elf on the Shelf.” Once we begin to grasp the magnitude of the birth of Jesus Christ, we will realize the first Christmas is not just another story. The birth of Jesus changed the world forever.

A little over two thousand years ago, an angel appeared to shepherds in a field and said, “‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger’” (Luke 2:10-12). This great joy for all people extends to you and me. Without the birth of Jesus, we would never be able to realize true joy. This kind of joy is not to be compared with the happiness of purchasing a new car or sitting down to a delightful meal. The joy the angels spoke of is unspeakable joy, a kind of joy that will last eternally. The birth of Jesus brings everlasting joy, unending peace, and eternal hope.

Jesus did not come to earth, so we could wish Him happy birthday once a year and pack Him away with the glass ornaments and table linens. He came to earth so we could have a road to redemption. We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Rom. 3:23). God knew it would take a perfect sacrifice to wash away our sins. Jesus Christ was born to be our Lord and Savior, who was crucified for our sins (see John 3:16). He rose again on the third day and is sitting at the right hand of the Father. Because of the sacrifice He made on Calvary, we can receive the gift of eternal life. Jesus came to give us abundant life. Surely, we can worship and adore Him 365 days a year, considering the gift He gave to all of us.

Granted, many people will take down their holiday decorations shortly after Christmas. Their fragile ornaments will be carefully wrapped and the lights will be painstakingly and strategically placed in a box, with the hopes that they will not come out in one tangled bundle next year. While someone may call the fashion police if we wear our fancy Christmas sweater during the spring or summer months, there is no reason we cannot wear the joy of Christmas in our hearts all year through.

Will you join me in keeping Christmas all year long? Let us thank God for His indescribable gift (2 Cor. 9:15). He sent His only Son to be born in humble beginnings, so He could reign as the King of kings and Lord of lords. As the song my Dad wrote says, “If it wasn’t for that baby, forever we’d be lost.” Jesus Christ brought salvation to the world. Christmas is not just another date on the calendar, but the day we honor the birthday of the King. Let us spend every single day of the year, glorifying the name above all names, Jesus Christ!

The Gift of Eternal Life

Put your trust in Jesus Christ. Jesus will cleanse your sins and fill you with peace that passes all understanding. Today is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:2). Romans 10:9 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Jesus loves you unconditionally. Jesus died to save you. He rose again and wants to give you eternal life. If you are looking for everlasting hope, a constant friend and help in times of trouble, pray these words:

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for loving me unconditionally. I believe You died on the cross and rose again. Please forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart and make me a new creation. I want to live for You. Help me share Your love with others.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

If you prayed this prayer, I encourage you to read the Bible, find a church family who can encourage you in your new walk with Christ, and most importantly, pray for God to help you.

May God bless you always,

Jennifer Campbell

jennifer@christwillreturn.org

www.jennifercampbell.net