Jesus is not the reason for the season

 
Do I have your attention?  I think that so often we hear, "Jesus is the reason for the season," that we do not actually stop to think about it.  In the sense that most people mean it, it is a truism.  People do need to sometimes be reminded that Jesus is the reason that we celebrate Christmas.  It is not the presents, or the parties, or the ugly sweaters.  It is Jesus that we celebrate.  But I think that Christians have a problem.  After Thanksgiving they immediately start proclaiming that Jesus is the reason for the season while they put up their Christmas lights and decorate their tree.  They proclaim it while shopping.  They say it while ordering coffee.  And then the celebration comes and goes.  The gifts are given.  The parties are over.  The lights and the tree come down.  And they we say, "Happy New Year!"  Notice that we do not say, "Jesus is the reason for the New Year."  We go on and say, "Happy Valentine's Day," instead of "Jesus shows us true love."  We move on with life.  Jesus is not just the reason for the season.  Jesus is the reason that we have everything.  He is the reason we have life eternal.  He is to be our mind - and therefore He is simply our reason.  Not JUST the reason for the season, but the reason for everything that we do.  

So, this year, do not forget about Jesus after Christmas.  He is the reason for all of it!  Of everything.  Even the new year!

Christmas is Coming

 Not sure where you are on the Christmas shopping - as for me, I have a few stocking stuffers yet to buy, but my wife does most of the heavy lifting, so I am close to done.  Not sure how many parties you have already been to - my count is presently still at 0.  Not sure how much decorating you have done, or have yet to do - mine was done even before Thanksgiving!  (I love my wife!)  Not sure how many Christmas movies you have already watched, or yummy Christmas goodies you have already consumed, how many carols you have sung or listened to.  But one thing I do know.  Christmas has nothing to do with any of those things.  

Sure, we choose different ways to celebrate, and none of the celebration is in itself bad, but it sometimes takes the place of the true celebration.  We are remembering the coming of Christ to earth in human form to save the world from their sins.  This is what is announced to Joseph, to Mary, to the shepherds and proclaimed to all who would listen.  When we read the Biblical accounts they all talk about the central truth - God with us - God came to earth to save us so that we could again be with Him and be so for all eternity.  

I know it is cliché to say it.  But will you remember with me this year the real reason why we celebrate.  And as I was reminded recently - this is a great time of year for evangelism.  It is easy to start a conversation about Jesus when we prepare the whole world for a celebration.  And more than Christmas coming, we know that Jesus is coming again and we know why He is coming again!  And this is the foundation for our great hope!  Celebrate - Jesus is coming!