The Christmas Spirit

 

As the old song goes: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” and it is. There is really no other season that means so much to so many people. Even those who are unfamiliar with Christmas season quickly get caught up in the spirit of the season when exposed to it – and I am not talking about the presents. Even those who are not “religious” or even nominally Christian enjoy this time of year  

 

There is a special feeling of families gathering, enjoying each other and giving gifts. Thanksgiving is very special and very important, but it lacks the act of giving which Christmas brings. However, the two together work beautifully as it is so important to give thanks for what we have and then share that with others.

 

But what is it that makes the season so special that for a month out of the year, so many in the world have a slightly different outlook than usual? Why do so many people understand what is meant by the “Christmas spirit” we see depicted in feel-good Christmas movies? 

 

People have a longing for family – a close knit and loving family. Ask any man or woman who had an absent or abusive parent and they will tell you they wish their Mom or Dad would look them in the eye and say, “I love you. I’m proud of you.” Even those whose parents did say those things love to hear them said again. 

 

We also know, down deep in our hearts, that there is more to the world than what we see. We know this even though many do their best to convince themselves otherwise. How can I say this so confidently? Even the most committed atheist will admit there is far more out there we do not know than what we do know – they just will not attribute that unknown to God.

 

This is why the story of Christmas resonates so much with people. It is the idea that the infinite meets the finite. That God comes to earth to not only be among us but to be one of us. I realize that not everyone “believes” this but, when they hear the story and look at how so many people have this “Christmas spirit”, only the most hardened hearts will refuse to acknowledge the beauty of the season. Even Mr. Scrooge and the Grinch came around.

 

What people often do not think about, but what is at the foundation of the Christmas story, is we – all of humanity – live in a world where we have been abused and neglected in some way by life. We all know there is something more, something better. We just cannot get there ourselves no matter what we do – morally or immorally. 

 

Like the abused or neglected child, we yearn for the reassurance of someone bigger than us saying “I love you” in a way that is truly meaningful and not just mere words. 

 

When we hear that the Creator of the universe sent His Son to be born the way we all are born and to live in this world alongside us, we might laugh at the absurdity of the idea. But, when we reflect just a little bit, the idea that God would humble Himself to be with us in this way rather than be announced with huge parades and fanfare like earthly kings are shows how much He loves us. 

Love does not demand – love respects. God respects us, His creation, so much that He wants us to see He would become human so we can know how much He loves us.

 

This is what every person who has ever walked the earth has wanted – to know their Creator loves them. 

 

He does. In fact, He loves us all so much that He came to this earth as a baby to grow up, share His good news and then die for all our wrongs so we do not have to suffer for them in eternity. Unfortunately, those who refuse the truest Christmas gift, His love, will terribly suffer for their wrongs. 

 

Please, have a conversation with God and choose wisely.