Mary's Baby Boy

This is beautiful. I love the look on Jesus' face as he heals.

Whatever happened to Christmas?

Remember when you were a child, how Christmas seemed magical? The days leading up to “the big day” were filled with anticipation. Everything took on a sparkle and glow and time seemed to move so slowly.

When I was small our community held a Christmas concert in the town hall and children from the school performed. Then the Sunday School Christmas concert took place in the church and we practiced and donned costumes. The Christmas story was always read and acted out by kids in bathrobes with towels draped on their heads. Baby Jesus was played by someone’s doll, no doubt received the previous Christmas.

The last day of school meant the afternoon spent munching on goodies prepared by mothers, and then the holidays began. What joy! The tree had been decorated, and it was time to shop. Where I lived, on a prairie farm, a trip to the big town only took place a couple of times a year, so Christmas shopping day was a huge event. The Co-op store turned their basement into Toyland. The wonders never ceased!

Then suddenly it was Christmas Eve. I remember being so excited I could hardly breathe as the stockings were hung (with a big pin from the back of the couch), and sleeping seemed impossible. Morning came whenever you woke up, which was early and in the dark.

Is it possible to re-capture the dreams and the wonder after you’ve outgrown Santa Claus? And when did Christmas become just a generic “holiday”? I admit to being dismayed that in the past few years, the word “Christmas” has suddenly disappeared from the mention of the very event it celebrates. Whatever your beliefs, Christmas is still about the birth of Christ, the celebration after whom the day was named. Millions of people around the world believe and rejoice.

Though the experiences of childhood can never be re-created and re-lived, there is a way to experience the joy and the miracles of Christmas. It is not in profusion of gifts, abundance of parties, nor family events. It is not even to be found in acting out sacred rituals or attending spiritual services. What then, can bring back the thrill of Christmas?

The answer is in the name. Only Christ can bring miracles and joy and wonder into your life. There is a reason for the season and His name in Jesus. Commemorating His birth is not just an excuse for another holiday. It is a celebration of the ultimate gift of God.

My hope for you this Christmas is that you indeed have happy holidays, but that you also become acquainted with the real significance of Christmas. Get to know the Saviour of the world and discover genuine and lasting wonder, joy, and peace.