Practicing the Spirit of Christmas

We have finally reached "the most wonderful time of the year" for 2013.  Although, for many it is "the most busy time of the year."  For me and my family, the "hustle and bustle of Christmas" is a very good description.  The challenge of finding the perfect gifts, planning Christmas parties, coordinating Christmas celebrations with multiple families, and decorating everything possible with Christmas lights becomes more and more stressful each year.  Unfortunately, the hustle and bustle of Christmas often brings out moments of the worst in us. 

When I was a kid, I remember having a pin that said: "Jesus is the reason for the season."  That is a saying that most Christians know and a point that most Christians want to make this time of year.  While it is very doubtful that Jesus was born on Dec. 25th, this is the time of year that we set aside to celebrate the fact that he was born.  Therefore, as far as Christmas is concerned, Jesus really is the "reason for the season."  But the question becomes, "What is the best way for Christians to celebrate Jesus as the reason?"  To understand this, we need to firmly grasp the spirit of Christmas. 

Take a moment and read the story of Simeon found in Luke 2:25-35. 

Try and put yourself in Simeon's shoes.  How many days had he gone to the temple wondering "Lord, will today be the day I see the messiah?"  After years of serving the Lord, had he begun to doubt wither or not he had properly understood God's promise?  Imagine his excitement on that day.  Holding a baby is always an exciting thing.  But for him, holding this baby was truly a blessing from God.  In his arms was the fulfillment of God's promise to him and God's promises to His people.  Listen to Simeon's words as he declares that God has given an undeserving world exactly what it needed most. 

The spirit of Christmas is Grace.  At Christmas, we celebrate because God gave us exactly what we needed most even though we did not deserve it.  

If we are going to celebrate Jesus as the reason for the season, we must do so by intentionally demonstrating the grace that God has granted us.  During the Christmas season, we as Christians should take the time to extend grace to those around us.  Especially to those that normally go overlooked or may not deserve it.  This is the best way to honor Christ and draw attention to the true meaning of Christmas. 

Take some time to plan out how you and your family will intentionally celebrate Jesus as the reason for the season.  Use these questions to help you identify opportunities to extend grace during this Christmas season.

• Who do you know that might go overlooked or unnoticed this time of the year? 
• Who do you know that might need some extra attention or love during the holidays? 
• Who do you know that might be struggling with the loss of a loved one this year? 
• Who do you know that would be impacted most by your reaching out in love? 
• Who do you know that is least deserving of your love? 
• What do you have to give that might be what someone needs the most? 
• Who do you know that needs to know the love and grace of God? 

Remember that for those who are struggling with the loss of loved ones and for those who have burned bridges with loved ones; Christmas is far from the most wonderful time of the year.  In fact, it can become the loneliest time of the year.  Let us not get distracted by the hustle and bustle of Christmas this year.  Instead, let us take advantage of opportunities to demonstrate the grace of God to those around us.