Preparing our hearts for Christmas

 Yes, it’s almost Christmas! It seems as though we’ve been waiting for years for this happy season to arrive. 

         Christmas has become about material goods. Presents, candy, stockings, and evergreen boughs. As we plow towards this special day, it is good to remember what Christmas is really about. 

      It’s about love, mercy, and the birth of Christ. It’s also about being humble. I’d like for us to think about the act of Jesus becoming man. Descending from heaven and all of its glory and splendor to a dirty trough surrounded by animals. So shouldn’t we follow in His footsteps and become more humble ourselves this Christmas? Shouldn’t we focus on others instead of our own gain. Shouldn’t we turn our hearts away from wrappings and bows to hugs and smiles? To comfort and joy? To thankfulness? Thanksgiving doesn’t have to end with the start of Christmas. In fact, Christmas is a time for even more thankfulness. 

     So this Christmas, let’s focus on being thankful. Grateful. And even if the stockings remain empty and there are no bright packages under the tree, be thankful that our hearts are full. Our hearts are full of gifts, as is this beautiful world we are blessed to be in. This world is full of light, adventure, blessings, and joy and to me that is a gift better than anything we can receive from human hands. This gift is one we receive from God’s own hands. 

    We should thank God this Christmas. Thank Him for his wonderful world, sacrifice, and never ending love. And we should also love others. Not for what they give us, but for being here. Being near. Taking the time to be with us on Christmas. And that love is also more priceless than any gift. Gifts are merely vessels that show our appreciation towards each other. But think of those other vessels that you can use to show your love. Right now. Right here. Today. 

     Smiles, hugs, and a soft word of thanks can have more impact than any other gift. 

     So as we look forward to Christmas Day, think about giving gifts to others. Gifts that go beyond materialistic goods. Gifts of smiles and love. And no matter the amount of presents you receive, take a moment to thank God for His gift of this world. Of your family. Of the death of His Son.