I love all things Christmas–with a few exceptions for the silly (Dancing Santas I can do without.), the gaudy and over-glittered (unless my children made it), and the highly repetitious (“The Little Drummer Boy,” with its twenty-one pa-rum-pa-pum-pums is one example).
But I do look forward to:
- Evergreen wreaths with cheery red bows perched on light poles in the business district.
- Colorful lights twinkling from bushes and rooftops.
- Vanilla-spice Christmas cookies, crisping in the oven and filling the house with sweet fragrance.
- Candles glowing from table and shelf.
- Delicate, porcelain figures, circled around Baby Jesus in our treasured family crèche.
- Beloved carols resounding through the house or sung at church with family and friends.
- Family gathered from near and far, nestled around the Christmas tree to hear the beloved story of the Nativity once more.
You get the idea.
I’m now getting to the age when all these things are very familiar. I’ve enjoyed them again and again over the decades. Yet they never lose their appeal. Every year, as Christmas approaches, I eagerly anticipate the repetition of each experience.
Why? Why hasn’t boredom set in? It’s not an easy question to answer. But these reasons occur to me as possibilities:
- My relationship with Jesus influences my response to these Christmas traditions. My joy in the season is greatly augmented because I know him. And celebrating Someone whom I love and worship is far superior to celebrating a stranger.
- The Christmas story and its themes of peace, joy, and hope, provide stability in an uncertain, even fearful world. We Christians enjoy the benefit of Christ’s peace, joy, and hope in our hearts every day (Romans 5:1-2). That, too, is something wondrous to celebrate.
But that’s not all! Jesus is coming again and all the perfections of heaven await those who believe in him. Did you know that for every single prophecy in scripture that foretold Jesus’ birth, there are eight which look forward to his return? Also consider: every prophecy about Jesus’ birth came true; therefore, we can be confident every prophecy about his second coming will also come true. Christmas is a celebration that not only looks back with great joy, but forward with great hope.
- Our King of kings and Lord of lords left his perfect heavenly home to dwell among us. He became human that we might be glorified (Philippians 2:6-9; Romans 8:30). He has made it possible for us to enjoy every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3). And, He is our:
Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6), guiding our way.
Emmanuel (Matthew 1:23), gracing us with his presence.
Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20), tenderly caring for us.
Rock (1 Corinthians 10:4), providing stability and refuge.
Advocate (Romans 8:34), interceding for us when Satan tries to condemn.
And so much more. Who can help but celebrate our loving Savior?
May all things Christmas turn our hearts and minds to him–his miraculous birth, his perfect life and sacrifice, his glory.
From the Inside Out 
I would add Grandma run over by a reindeer to your fist list. LOL. Good point to ponder; why doesn’t it get boring? Christmas is comforting and feels like I am home. home in Him. great post, Nancy!
Oh, yes–let’s put that song on the pitch list! Then another “oh, yes”–seriously this time– for your statement that Christmas is home–home in Him. Beautifully said, Jean!
Merry Christmas to a wonderful friend and all the blessings in the New Year.
Oh, thank you, Grace. Merry Christmas and blessings upon you, too!
Oops. My name was spelled wrong in the post. I will correct it.
“Did you know that for every single prophecy in scripture that foretold Jesus’ birth, there are eight which look forward to his return?” Wow. I have never heard that. Thank you, Nancy, for a lovely post that reminds me of the reality of my hope. Blessings to you!
I trust that is an accurate piece of information. I did not count up the prophecies myself! That fact turned up in some research I did–can’t remember the source. But it does seem likely, in which case it certainly adds strong conviction to our hope–like an anchor for the soul, firm and secure (Hebrews 6:19). Thank you for stopping by, Rebeca!
I, too, didn’t realize that “for every single prophecy in scripture that foretold Jesus’ birth, there are eight which look forward to his return.” How like our Blessed Savior to grant us this reassurance time and again. This world HAS been a fearful place… and the knowledge that we who have accepted Christ as our Savior and Lord are not forever doomed to this existence is more wonderful than I can describe. Loved this post.
You’re right about God’s reassurance, Cheri. It’s another sign of his tender love for us, isn’t it. You brought to mind that wonderful old hymn: “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!”
Read it late, but enjoyed it immensely
So glad you found the post meaningful, Laura. Praise God!