CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

                Luke 2:10, 11          

 

            Those of us who enjoy watching Christmas movies hear much said about the Christmas spirit.  If one was not aware of the true Christmas Story, he or she might get the idea that the Spirit of Christmas was buying a Christmas tree and hanging ornaments on it, decorating the house with lights, baking Christmas cookies or believing in Santa.  Others might think it is all about buying just the right gift to place underneath the Christmas tree. 

            The true Christmas Spirit is easily found in the early parts of the gospels of Matthew and Luke.  I will mention only a couple of things found in the real Christmas Spirit.  These things may be found without a Christmas tree, artificial light, or cookie.  The first is the peace that comes through trusting in God.  It is amazing to me how practically all the characters mentioned in the Christmas Story were instructed not to fear.  Zachariah, the father of the fore-runner of Christ, was told not to fear by the angel who appeared to him.  Mary, the mother of Christ, was told not to fear, as well as Joseph, Mary’s espoused husband.  The angelic host appeared to the shepherds and instructed them not to fear.  You see, one can have lights hanging on the tree, all around the house and your yard and trees can be full of lights and you still have fear but once you truly trust in God to take away your fear there is that wonderful peace that takes its place.  The true Spirit of Christmas contains this peace.  Do you trust in God?

            Another truth that is at the heart of the Christmas Spirit is that a Savior was born.  Several times it was told that his name would be called JESUS.  The meaning of this glorious name is emphasized in Matthew 1:21 “for he shall save his people from their sins.”  Mary was told that his name would be JESUS and Joseph was told also that his name would be JESUS.  Matthew 1:25 says of Joseph, “he called his name JESUS.”  The shepherds were told by the angels that a savior was born in Bethlehem and that he was Christ the Lord.  When we grasp how God provided our savior through this manger birth, it rises far above the lights; the cookies; and the gifts that are given each year at Christmas.  He is the true Spirit of Christmas.

            The final thing that I will mention is that this Spirit is “unto you.”  Many of our movies at Christmas are about relationships that end in “happy ever after” experiences.  This blessed spirit is offered to us by God himself.  There is a relationship to be gained from this.  It is not a romantic relationship but it is a relationship with Christ that results in “happy ever after.”  Would you trust in God, receive the gift of His Son JESUS and eternal life that he brings?

 

Yours in Christ,

 

Brother Randy Burtram

 

(Originally published December 23, 2018)