Chasing Christmas

     The perfect Christmas is an elusive prize that many people would like to catch.  But what would it look like?  How would you know when you found it?

     Sadly many don’t know what Christmas is all about.  A small child was once asked why we celebrate Christmas.  Her answer? “Because it’s Santa’s Birthday!”

     At least the little girl got it half right.  Christmas is about a birthday–but not Santa’s!  The fact that some children think that shows we need to do a better job explaining Christmas. 

     No doubt some children think Christmas is about them since they receive all the presents.  Many children get more presents at Christmas than they do for their own birthday.

     “Well, hold on just a minute,” you may say. “Then what’s the point of Christmas?”

     According to the dictionary Christmas is “an annual Christian festival on December 25, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.”  It also says that it’s become a secular holiday when people traditionally exchange presents and greetings.

     We practice many of our Christmas traditions without ever giving thought as to why we do them.  Exchanging presents is a good example.  Why do we do that?

     One reason we give gifts is to remind us that the birth of the Savior was God’s great gift to the world.  But it was a surprise gift.  Most people don’t think they need a savior.  They don’t feel like they need to be rescued.  So why a savior?

     Two thousand years ago Israel was looking for a savior to deliver them from the rule of the Roman Empire and Caesar.  What they got was someone who offered deliverance from sin instead of political deliverance.  The nation’s leaders, however, rejected and crucified him.

     But God turned the rejection and death of Christ into an offer of salvation for the whole world.  The Bible says that faith in Christ brings deliverance from sin and judgment to come. 

     What a gift!  Salvation that doesn’t depend on being born into the right family or belonging to the ‘right’ religion!  Salvation that is free!  What a Christmas present!

     Today many people are drowning in failure and the consequences of bad decisions.  In the Bible God gave us standards to live by.  Those who break his rules often suffer the consequences in their health and in their relationships.  The Bible calls that ‘sin.’

     Unable to fix our broken relationship with God, we need someone to save us.  And that’s where God’s great gift comes into the picture.  God’s purpose in sending Christ was for him to become the Savior of the world.  To save us from sin and its consequences that lead to death.

     The angel told the shepherds, “Today in the town of David [Bethlehem] a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”  People who heard Jesus and personally experienced his ministry recognized that he was “the Savior of the world.”

     So this Christmas, before you put down your credit card to buy presents, pick up a Bible and turn to the Gospel of Luke.  Read about the first Christmas in chapter two.  Join in the wonder the Shepherds felt when they saw Jesus, the Savior.  Worship him with the wise men.

     When a person recognizes who Jesus is and puts their trust in him to save them, God gives them the ultimate gift, eternal life.  That’s the real Christmas present!  Have you received it?

     If you’re chasing Christmas, I hope you find it.  Just remember that the real reason for Christmas is not found in a store or under at tree.  It’s found in a person, Jesus Christ.

     Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!