“It is almost like Christmas becomes an emotion camera, a moment in time that records our memories.”
Christmas is my favorite time of the year. As a Christian, what could be better than celebrating the birth of Jesus—God's Son? Oh the mystery of God's great love for us! Imagine!—the Creator of the Universe was born into a smelly stable in Bethlehem as a helpless babe! Thus God's great plan of Salvation was kicked into high gear. Thirty-three-years later Jesus died upon the cross for our sins. As a result, those who follow Jesus experience the joy and peace of being part of God's family.
This miracle, this mystery should be incredible enough to make us worship and celebrate the occasion of His arrival, but the compelling uniqueness of Christmas doesn't stop there. Christmas, more than any other holiday, captures our memories and hold them in trust.
It is almost like Christmas becomes an emotion camera, a moment in time that records our memories. Christmas is more nostalgic than any other holiday. As we start to see the decorations and hear the music, a flood of memories and emotions return to us, as they do every Christmas.
I find security and comfort in Christmas. I think it is because most people's memories of Christmas revolve around their childhood. And childhood is remembered by most as a sweet and innocent time. A time when we didn't have responsibilities, or worries, we only had enthusiasm and hope. There is a naivete that will always be a part of Christmas for me.
My hope this year is that instead of getting caught up in the stress and strain of the BUSYness of this time of year, I will return to that time of innocence when my only responsibility was to trust as a child. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Mat.19:14).
As the memories of Christmases past flood our senses let them remind us of the simple commitment of faith that we made to Jesus. Come to him. Trust him — with the complete trust of a little child.
May this be a special, hopeful, worshipful time of year for you and your family!
Best wishes and Christmas greetings from The MacDonald's
(Grant, Sheila,John, David and Graham)