Our oldest son,Eric,and his grandson (our great-grandson), Desmond, will be coming for a visit from California on December 1st.
Today, I started decorating the house in anticipation of their visit, because we will not be together for Christmas.
"Holy-days" have always been very important in our family, and we look forward to celebrating the times and seasons when Jesus is at the heart of any season. Advent begins our anticipation and celebrations of Christmas - "the most wonderful time of the year," because we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ who was born to die on the Cross, be resurrected from the dead, giving us the gift of eternal life. (John 3:16-17)
There are people who do not celebrate the birth of Jesus, but rather do Christmas because it's a tradition. For these people, perhaps it is a time to "eat, drink and make merry," wishing and hoping for "peace on earth and goodwill to men," with no knowledge or interest in the historical significance of this blessed event of which Christians remember and celebrate all over the world.
For many, they not only question the existence of a Holy, all-powerful, loving sovereign God, but do not believe and accept the reality of Jesus as Emmanuel - God with us.
Without faith in Jesus, I would have little joy about the traditions of the season. What would be the point of Christmas trees and lights which for Christians symbolizes everlasting life and Jesus is the light of the world. What would be the point of all the glitz and glitter? Why all the fuss, if Jesus is not "the reason for the season?" What is there to celebrate?
Is it all about myths and Santa Claus? Why give gifts, if it does not represent the giving of gifts to Jesus by the wise men - Magi's - who traveled from the East to Bethlehem bearing gifts for Him because they believed Him to be Holy/Divine? What is the point? The spirit of the season?
Why do so many homes not include a Nativity - manger scene - as part of their holiday decorations? When did our cities exchange Nativity sets for snowmen and forest creatures? Why for awhile was it wrong to say, "Merry Christmas?"
What does Christmas mean to you? Are you anticipating the celebrations of the season that turns our attention toward and honors Jesus as "God with us - the Savior of the world?"
It is my hopeful prayer God will capture hearts and souls this Christmas, making Jesus the centerpiece of the season.
"Yes, Jesus, I believe You are the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the Holy, Beloved Son of the one true God - Emmanuel - God with us. Come into my heart and stay, filling me with Your Holy Spirit. I surrender myself to You as my Lord and Savior forevermore." - Amen!
If you joined me i praying that prayer, I hope you will share that with me by completing hte contact form.
With Love, Blessing and Hugs in Christ,
Angie "a mom like you"
www.amotherlikeme.info
amotherlikeme.info
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