Believe!

It seems a popular thing to say around this time of year. The idea is reinforced everywhere. If you watch the Hallmark channel it is the topic of every one of their movies. They are inspired stories of relationships, love and a magical time of year.   They talk of Christmas as a special day they creates good feelings and joy for all. There are parties, events and songs. They do a great job of creating a jubilant holiday. The moral of all the stories it seems are people fall in love and Christmas is special and requires some belief in its magical powers.

​Where ever you go there is magical aspect of Christmas. You will see Santa, reindeer, lights on houses. The malls and stores all brightly lit and cheerfully decorated. Houses inside and outside adorned with lights, gingerbread men, stars and more. Some are a sight to behold and beautiful to see.

We eagerly await the big day. We want to see the joy on people’s faces as the open our well thought out presents. We can’t wait for family and friends to come over and enjoy the big Christmas dinner. Maybe some are dreaming of a white Christmas.
The day after we are exhausted. We try to clean up only to realize it is not easy to find places to put our newly acquired gifts and toys. Maybe you have enough energy to brave the stores to see what leftover sales there are and bargains to find.

While I don’t think there is anything wrong with all the hoopla. It reminds me of a show I watched when I was a child. Charlie Brown’s Christmas. Charlie Brown is frustrated with all extra activities around Christmas.  

Charlie Brown:
(shouting in desperation) Isn't there anyone out there who can tell me what Christmas is all about?
Linus Van Pelt:
Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you. Lights, please. (A spotlight shines on Linus.) "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo, the Angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the Angel said unto them, Fear not, for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you this day is born in the city of Bethlehem, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; you shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the Angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men'". That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

I do ponder about how far we have strayed. As someone that has a small farm and livestock I can tell you that there is nothing pleasant about a barn other than you are out of the elements. Yet Jesus was born in a manager. Fulling prophesy and restoring the ability to have a relationship with Him.  

Christmas had a very humble beginning. Yet kings followed a star and shepherds heard from Angels. 

As you drive around this holiday season and the lights blink a bright red and green. Remember you can believe what Christmas is really about. God’s gift to mankind.