My 19-year-old daughter, Janina and I had a conversation last week. She told me that she spoke with someone who wasn’t feeling the Christmas spirit this year. She asked her why and the answer was composed of several things that didn’t go well this year, specifically this Christmas season.
We continued our conversation and came to an insight:
If the Christmas spirit is based on current circumstance, then our Christmas will change from year to year. But if it is based on a past event – Jesus’ coming to bring hope, peace, and redemption, then every year will consistent for there is always a reason to celebrate.
Last Saturday, my wife, Jenn and I went to our son’s basketball game in Las Pinas. It took us 3 hours to get there, not to mention that we got lost which was totally my fault. At that moment, we weren’t feeling the Christmas spirit. What were our current circumstances? Terrible traffic. The possibility of missing our son’s game. The thought of burning hours in the car instead of doing something else productive. The list can go on.
As we progress through the Christmas season, here are a few things I’d like to suggest to remind us of the Christmas season.
1. Constantly remind yourself of God’s goodness and faithfulness, beginning with His salvation through Christ.
For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly supplied to you. Therefore I will always remind you about these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth you have. I consider it right, as long as I am in this bodily tent, to wake you up with a reminder, knowing that I will soon lay aside my tent, as our Lord Jesus Christ has also shown me.
(2 Peter 1:11-14)
Everything after salvation is bonus.
2. Find gratefulness in every little thing.
“The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me.” (Psalm 50:23)
There is a miracle in every moment that God gives us.
3. Talk to others about the meaning of Christmas.
“In that day you will say:
‘Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name;
make known among the nations what He has done,
and proclaim that His name is exalted”
(Isaiah 12:4)
As we ended our conversation, Janina said, “we often talk about Christmas as the season of giving. While that is true, it is more than giving. Christmas is about the Gift (Jesus) and the Giver (our Heavenly Father).”
May we all have a blessed Christmas!
I’ve posted below a Christmas song Janina composed as a result of her musings this Christmas season.
Lyrics:
VERSE 1:
I see lights all over town
decorations all around
but I don’t see you anywhere
Christmas music resounds
But you’re still nowhere to be found
I look and you’re not there
PRE-CHORUS 1:
This year, I won’t forget ‘bout you
CHORUS:
This Christmas I will do it right
I’ll tell your story with all of my might
How you gave up your life for mine
When you came the first Christmas time
VERSE 2:
So, It’s not about the mistletoe
or the man laughing, “ho, ho, ho”
let it snow? I’ll let you know
More than the gifts that we receive
or the food on Christmas eve
These things are temporary
PRE-CHORUS 2:
This year, we will remember you
CHORUS 2:
This Christmas I will do it right
I’ll tell your story with all of my might
How you gave up your life for mine
When you came down on Christmas time
VERSE 3:
One night, a baby was born
to be our King forevermore
His promises made true
He will wipe every tear
Finally, our Hope is here
In Him, all things are new
CHORUS 3:
This Christmas I will
do it right
I’ll tell your story
with all of my might
Oh, the story of Jesus Christ
How He gave up His life for mine
He was ready to pay the price
When He came the first Christmas time