Merry & Bright: Celebrating Christmas Every Dayনমুনা

For Unto Us A Child Is Born

“Christmas is a season of not only rejoicing, but of reflection.” — Winston Churchill 

Have you ever noticed how babies bring out the best in people? 

Think about it: people talk softly, kindly, and lovingly around babies. Families gather together to see the brand new baby. Friends send gifts and meals to weary-eyed parents. Not to mention, people are always nicer to pregnant women (and rightfully so). Interestingly, that’s how the Christmas story begins: with a baby. 

Isaiah 9:6-7 tells us that “unto us a child is born, to us a son is given,” and this child was Jesus. This Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace is the Savior of the world that people had been waiting for. When He came to earth, prophecies were fulfilled. This baby, born of a virgin, grew up to be a man who lived a perfect, sinless life. He died on a cross and rose from the dead, granting us the opportunity to be delivered from our sins.  

That’s what Christmas is all about. However, December is usually packed full of things that demand our attention:

• Getting the perfect gifts for those on our list.
• Being unusually kind with our words and actions.
• Preparing a delectable meal for a party.
• Creating the most spectacular card to send to friends and family.
• Participating in activities because it’s tradition.

Those are all great things! However, if we’re not careful, we can allow the way we’re celebrating to replace the One we’re celebrating. We can keep our focus on Jesus while finding pleasure in God’s blessings to us. We are meant to enjoy things, not worship them.

Christmastime brings out something in most of us. The something in us that wants to be generous, kind, festive, friendly, and social. But what if we didn’t wait until Christmas to be intentional? We don’t have to wait until December... 

• ...to give to a non-profit.
• ...to be kind and speak kindly to others.
• ...to prepare a meal for close friends.
• ...to send a card to a family member.
• …to create year-round traditions in our faith.

It seems like a tall order to accomplish, but it isn’t. It just takes a bit of intention. We have to mark our calendars, create the reminder, and simply follow through. Think of how it will feel when we hear the phrases, “Christmas is the season for giving” or “This is a time for family and friends” in December, and we will have been doing this for the past 11 months. 

As we read through the rest of the days in this Plan, we will look into our Christmas traditions and find ways to incorporate them throughout the entire year.

Reflect

• What feelings do you have during this time of year? Good or bad, what experiences cause you to feel this way?