Introduction/Reason for the Season

Introduction:

I don't know whether it's an overactive train of thought or just a lack of attention span, but my mind is always full of these long drawn out thoughts that I usually have to get out in one way or another. Usually, that avenue of releasing thoughts is by ranting about it to my roommate or nearest friend of mine. So, in order to give them a break from my ramblings, I've decided to experiment by writing them out instead. That way, they get voiced (sort of) and no one HAS to read them (unless they want to). So, with no further ado, welcome inside my head...

Reason for the Season:

This time of year always brings about mixed feelings for me. On the one hand, I absolutely love Christmas, but on the other hand, I often find myself feeling like Charlie Brown: annoyed by the fact that we all seem to have forgotten why we celebrate Christmas. I don't think Linus could have said it much better when he quoted Luke 2:8-14 in response to Charlie's question, "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?" December 25 is the day set aside for us to remember and celebrate the exact moment the entire world had been waiting for since the fall of man. It is the day we celebrate God's sovereign choice to give us all another chance. It is the day we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, the Christ. That's what Christmas is about.

Now, I'm not saying that it's wrong to decorate your house with lights, trees, and other decorations. Nor am I saying that we shouldn't get gifts for each other. I don't think any of those are wrong. In fact, I love doing those things as well. The thing that bothers me is hearing people stress out about what to get people. I've lost count of how many statuses I've read on facebook stating how glad someone is that they are "finally done with Christmas shopping" or or having to find out what somebody wants. It's like we've turned Christmas in to a chore. It seems as though, Christmas shopping is a concept that brings about almost as much dread and stress as Spring cleaning. Like I said earlier, I love Christmas, but sometimes, I fall into this trap, too. I find myself thinking these same things that I get annoyed at people for saying or writing. I guess what I'm saying is, that if you can decorate your house and get gifts for your family with joy and celebration in your heart, then by all means, do it. But, if the concept of getting gifts for people stresses you out... then don't do it.

So, for the next week or so, leading up to Christmas, eliminate the stress that seems to have become attached to Christmas in whatever way you can and just focus on this...For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11) Do we need any other reason to celebrate?