In, With, and Through
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Right? Yes, I do believe in the spirit of Christmas. This is when we go out of the way to be kind, buy stuff, spend more time with family and friends, sleep less, keep secrets, and spend more time at church events. The roller coaster of feelings provides quite a ride during the month of December. It goes at warp speed until Christmas morning and then it all comes to a screeching halt.
Where did the time go? It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating Thanksgiving. Every year we tell ourselves that we are not going to do the advent season the same way next year but guess what? It’s the same and possibly worse.
The minute those commercials hit the airwaves with Christmas music and gift ideas, we are off to the races. Don’t you just love the Kohl’s Mom who guides shoppers’ purchases? (Is there really such a thing as a Kohl’s Mom?) I don’t know but I can tell you that there is a real Spirit of Christmas and it has nothing to do with Kohls, Santa, or his busy elves.
This is the time when heaven touched the earth. Christmas is a time when we …well, you know. Deeply we search within ourselves to recapture that same joy as the shepherds. We are kinder and nicer to those around us as we let His light shine a little brighter through us.
No where in Scripture is there a mention of jolly old St. Nick. Our hearts are moved to a place far away in the manger, with peace on earth, a silent night, a joyous noel, that little town of Bethlehem but we certainly do have questions for those three kings. We quietly ask what did Mary know? Pondering and creating various scenes in our minds, we fall in line with the real meaning of this beloved holiday.
If we really want to experience the true Spirit of Christmas, spend time in prayer. Let time with family and friends be at the forefront. Forget the gifts, just be! We must let His Holy Light shine through us so that others will see Him and glorify Him.
Now that is a big challenge! Don’t seek perfection—just change. Let this season be in, with, and through all you do.
Gracious Lord, thank You for sending Your Son. Help us be real, kinder, patient, and loving during this season. Let us shine in, with, and throughout our community. AMEN.