The decorations are up. The tree is trimmed. The food has been bought. The cards have been mailed. The cookies have been made. The presents are wrapped, and the stockings are hung by the chimney with care. Christmas will undoubtedly be different this year, but these preparations remain the same. As we complete items from our preparing for Christmas to do list, we should ask ourselves if we have remembered the most important preparation of all.
Many of my favorite Christmas memories are from my childhood. I think back fondly to the large family gatherings at my aunt and uncle’s house on Christmas Eve and can picture my grandma dancing to Here Comes Santa Claus. I think about sitting on the living room floor and listening to Christmas records while being mesmerized by the lights on the tree. I think about baking Christmas cookies with my mom and wishing that I could have that experience one more time. I remember the excitement I would feel thinking about the big day and imagining all the wonderful toys that would be waiting for me under the tree on Christmas morning. Unfortunately, we tend to lose some of that excitement as we grow older. We do recapture some of the magic when we have children of our own and can experience Christmas through their eyes, but that anticipation and excitement does not feel the same.
I realize now in my adult years, that as exciting as the anticipation I felt as a child was, it was not complete. It was missing an especially important aspect, one that I now make the central part of the season. Adequately preparing my heart and mind for the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Of course, I was taught and understood the true meaning of Christmas but if we are being honest with ourselves, as kids that was not always what we focused on as we counted down the days.
Looking around town this time of year we see signs that say, “Jesus is the reason for the season”. It is important to remember that this is not just a slogan. The true reason for this season of celebration is not just the birth of Jesus, but also what that event has meant for all of mankind. The celebration of His birth reminds us that our Lord became flesh, saved us from our sins and suffered the ultimate sacrifice here on earth so that we may all have eternal life with God in the kingdom of Heaven. It also allows us to reflect on the glorious and unimaginable event of His second coming that will occur at the end of time. Jesus is not just the reason for the season, He is the reason for everything. He is hope. He is love. He is the source of our faith.
Even though Christmas is only a couple of days away, it is not too late. Through prayer and reflection, we can calm our minds from the busyness and stressfulness of the season and remember the true reason for all that we have experienced the past few weeks. While completing our preparations in these remaining days, we should remember to also prepare room for Him so that on this Christmas Day, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we will be ready for Him to be reborn in us. Reborn in our hearts and in our minds. The joy, love, patience, mercy, and peace that will be the lasting result of that rebirth are needed now more than ever as we close out this most difficult year. By allowing room for Jesus to be reborn within us, we can go forth and share this joy with others though our words, through our actions, and through our compassion. 2020 has been a difficult year for many of us, what a wonderful present this would be to share with the world. Come Lord Jesus, Come. We are ready and we joyfully await your arrival with anticipation and open hearts.