Christmas is . . .

An Alaskan girl was seen by her teacher admiring a beautiful sunset when the teacher suggested that she try to put the scene on canvas. She replied, “Oh, I can't draw glory”.

Christmas is God's picture of glory. Hebrews 1:1-3, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.”

Sometimes I feel like that girl when I try to write words on paper. How does one express all the many thoughts and blessings of Christmas? I'll try but I know it is limitless.

Christmas is music, fun and laughter. Christmas is cooking, baking and cleaning. Christmas is plays, recitations and caroling. Christmas is family, friends, and fellowship. Christmas is the story of a baby that was born to die. Christmas is a time of joy and gladness. Christmas is sweet aroma's coming from the kitchen, decorations in the house, maybe snow on the ground. Christmas is the happy squeals of children in anticipation of gifts and candy. Christmas is a renewed sense of appreciation for God's greatest gift of His Son. Christmas is shopping, wrapping gifts and decorating a tree. Christmas is good cheer and the wish for peace among all men. Christmas is turkey, ham, cookies and fruit cake. Christmas is poinsettia's, holly and mistletoe. Christmas is a time of sharing, a time of loving, a time of worship. Christmas is all this and more.

It is what we make it as we contemplate what God meant it to be when He sent His son to earth in the form of an infant. That baby held all the promise of salvation for all who would believe. The promise is the same today. Matthew 1:21, “Thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.” Are you looking for a Savior? Do you need to have your sins forgiven? Do you want to be a part of the family of God? I implore you to take advantage of the reason for the season – Jesus! He came to save you and me. How sad to go through this time of year and not experience the true meaning of Christmas, Christ in your heart.

Claim your Christmas gift from God, Christ your Savior, who has been prepared before the foundation of the world.

Note: This was originally written by Anita McIlveen, December 1985 as an article in the Altoona Brethren in Christ Church newsletter.