Getting in the Christmas Spirit

If you’re like me, you may be having trouble getting in the Christmas spirit. I see the evils of this world on the news, and marvel at how it doesn’t take a break, even during Advent. It shouldn’t surprise me, but it does get to me. If you are like my wife, the fact that there is no snow on the ground brings her down. During our childhoods, we both had snow by Christmas. Some folks try to get in the Christmas spirit by shopping, watching, “Christmas” movies, and listening to, “Christmas” music. Let’s face it, the movies are more about Santa then Christ. Don’t get me started on secular, “Christmas” music.

If our feelings aren’t matching the reality of Christ’s entrance into this world to seek, and save the lost, let’s remember the glory of this Advent. The eternal Son, at the will of the Father, and the work of the Spirit, condescended from the majesty of Heaven, deigned to put on human flesh, forever joining Deity to humanity, in the person of Jesus, who is righteous, without sin, He emptied Himself taking the form of a servant, suffered persecution, laid down His life, was crucified, and had the wrath of holy God poured out on Him, to cleanse us from our sins, and justify us to God, died, buried, and resurrected on the third day, conquering sin, and death, on our behalf, as the perfect fulfillment of the Passover Lamb of God. He ascended to the right hand of the Father, where He intercedes for us, and the Holy Spirit is now with us, indwelling those who are His, and giving them communion with God for ever.

Our efforts to, “get into the Christmas spirit” are often well intended, but misguided. We miss the forest for the trees. If we are focused on Jesus, the gospels, and singing praises to God with the carols that do the same, we will be thinking about the true reasons we celebrate Christmas. You may find the Christmas spirit there.