There are so many things every Christmas that people seem to want. Its not just a commercial holiday though, its this time of year so many dream, wish and hope during. It's as if the story of Jesus and Santa Clause give people the mindset that you can get more right now then during the 4th of July.
I somewhat understand the whole wishing with Santa Clause, but come on people we all know that jolly ol' St Nick is way too busy checking the naughty or nice list and finishing his toy list to make sure world peace happens this year. What, too pessimistic? I'm sorry. I will elaborate I promise!
What I don't get is why people wish and pray for things so much around Christmas. I am guilty of it too, but it just all hit me today and I questioned my motives. I was thinking of my last few blogs and wishing that it could all be possible. Is there anything wrong with wishing? No! It's just I wouldn't have been wishing if it weren't Christmas time.
When you come from the Christian standpoint of Christmas, you immediately think of the nativity. I bet some of you have one set up on your fireplace mantle, or coffee table! They are always so neat to look at. They are a display of a humble gift that everyone has a chance to receive. It's the best gift of all time.
Reading in 1 Peter today gave me a sudden giddy feeling, like I had just won a million dollars and more! It talks about salvation, how it's a gift from God worth more than anything we could imagine here on earth. Now when you think of that as our gift at Christmas time, asking for anything or wishing for anything seems strange. If you believe in Christ and have Salvation through Him there is nothing in this world that could top that! So why do people try to? Well, happiness is the only way to answer that.
I love Christmastime! So before you start thinking oh here goes the rants of a happy holiday stealing Christian, let me follow up my previous statements with something more optimistic. You see the things that always made Christmastime are the feelings that seem to overwhelm you. A mindset that anything is possible, and a liberating sense that happiness surounds people allowing everyone to feel like they are free to wish, hope and dream without holding back. It's the holiday where people realize how much good there is in the world, and how much hope is alive through faith. A reminder that God is with us. Time to spend with family and friends to cherish the meaning of 'relationships'. Christmastime when thought of and appreciated brings happiness in a natural and unforced way. It's something that you can't just create on your own. After the presents are unwrapped, the food has been eaten, and "It's a Wonderful Life" airs for the last time people don't just assume their positions in life again, they think of how blissful it can be. That the extra things that we are given and don't deserve are all the sprinkles on top! Beautiful additions that allow us to be thankful and humbled at the beauty of it all.
