As I get older, I understand why adults are less marveled by the Christmas season. Most have to work around that time and still adjust their resources to accommodate for their families resulting in stress. Not to mention the volunteering at church, and other popular events during this season, it can be overwhelming. And if I’m honest, I have felt that way for the last 2 years. But as I was running through the long to-do llist I had for this weekend, I thought “Shouldn’t this be a celebration?”
”When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.“ Matthew 2:10-11
The verse above is describing the reaction of the wise men that traveled far to Jesus’ birth. It’s safe to say everyone loves babies, but only a few would travel great lengths and bring expensive gifts as promptly as they did. So why did they? Because He is the Messiah, “the king of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2 NLT) and they were excited that they lived to see this prophecy fulfilled (Micah 5:2). As a believer, I would be lying if I said I have had that same excitement when celebrating Christmas. Here we stand following his birth, death and resurrection, yet it seems that same grateful attitude fails to be prominent. Why is that?
”The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.“ Matthew 13:22 NLT
If you haven’t read the parable of the farmer, in Matthew 13:1-23 Jesus is talking to the disciples about the Word taking root in their heart. Even if you don’t own a Bible you probably know John 3:16, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” But has that Word been sown in your heart? Is your reaction to celebrating the birth of Jesus reflective of the fact that God gave us the perfect gift? Some of us would say no because we let worries of getting gifts, planning parties and everything else crowd our heart. It’s time we straighten this out.
”And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15
I’m aware that we live in a society that emphasizes possessions over people, and Jesus, unfortunately, is not an exception, for the world that is. I’m not saying that it’s wrong to get your loved ones gifts, as it is a generous gesture. But don’t get to a place where gifts are the only things spoken about during this time. Or let the lack of gifts because of finances stress you out, distracting you from the one we are celebrating: Jesus. The Savior of the World, who was born and reincarnated in human flesh, as a babe wrapped in swaddling clothing, to save mankind from our sins and to reconcile us to and with God.
As you gather around your loved ones this Christmas, take a deep breath and thank God for this gift, for the life of Jesus Christ. Though our culture has normalized stress during this season, we, as believers, can stand outside it and choose joy. Like the wise men, let us bring our gifts of thanksgiving to the Lord and have a Merry Christmas.
