JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

This year, more than others, I feel like the purpose of Christmas has been completely forgotten by the world. Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is not a time about wish lists, shopping, and gingerbread houses. I can shamefully say that this season I have not heard the mention of Jesus Christ once this season while hearing people talk about their Christmas plans.

Something that has always bothered me about Christmas season is giving gifts. I have given and been given gifts in December for my whole life, but never understood why. This season is about Jesus, not about us. Confused, I decided to google why we give gifts during the Christmas season.

These gifts are given to remind us of the three gifts that the wise men brought to Jesus many years ago...frankincense, gold, and myrrh. To me that means we should only get three gifts each. I had a girl in my dance classes growing up whose parents gave her and her siblings three small gifts each year. To me that resembles more about remembering these three gifts than overloading a child with a million toys, gift cards, and all the latest gadgets.

Another reason we give gifts is because God gave us the ultimate gift. "God loved the world so much, that he gave his one and only Son, so that whoever believes in him may not be lost but have eternal life." -1 John 3:16

This holiday season, I pray that Jesus is the celebration in your hearts, and that your world not be owned by decorating, gift giving, and baking. While these things are fun parts of the holiday season, there is no Christmas without Christ. Focus on Him and let the other things follow along.