How Long Does Christmas Last Anyway
OK so we know Jesus probably wasn’t born on December 25th. But he
was born. And as I listen to the carol “Joy to the World the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her king” playing away in the background I have to
admit it makes me stop and think, for just a moment, about this whole
Christmas thing.
If He hadn’t been born where would I be right now? If there was no one
to understand my darkest moments, no power able to intervene and help
me when I cry out for help. If there was no point to prayer and no
forgiveness for the crazy, stupid bad stuff I’ve done. If no divine power
was there to believe in me and invest in me time, care and direction -
where would I be right now? What shape would my life take?
It is easy to forget who we are when we are all dressed up and at peace
with the world. It’s easy to take all the credit. We tend to forget our
shortcomings quickly, but remember everyone else’s for years. But I
know the truth about me and I know for sure this one thing; I’m a much
better person with Christ in my life than without Him.
The peace of mind that I have – it’s His.
The hope that I have for my life and future – also His.
The best of me, any patience and kindness and care for others – He
helped me with that too.
I’m lucky to know Him – or should I say blest?
So I have to admit it I’m glad He was born. Both as an example and as a
Saviour and friend Jesus is the sane point in my otherwise confusing
chaotic life. I don’t need the presents and busyness of Christmas – it
doesn’t last long enough to change my whole life anyway. But I do need
Him. I need him everyday, all year – not just at carol services or church
services but in the daily grind of life. In the middle of the night when I’m
worried and in the middle of the day when I’m so busy or influenced that I
begin to lose sight of who I am. I need him all the time. A Saviour is not
just for Christmas – He’s for life.
So yes, I am very glad that He was born. And I’m glad that I choose to live for Him.
Perhaps I should sing that carol with a little more enthusiasm next time.
“Look! The virgin shall conceive a child!
She will give birth to a son,
and he will be called Immanuel
(meaning, God is with us)”
Matthew 1:23 (NLT)