Reason for the Season

I received this as a forward and it reminded me again of the reason Christmas is so special:

A woman was Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of walking down row after row of toys and after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the store elevator with her two children in hand. She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year, getting that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, overwhelming pressure to
go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, making sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card. Finally the elevator doors opened revealing a crowd in the car. She pushed her way in and dragged her two kids and all her bags of stuff in with her . As the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and blurted out, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up, and shot."

From the back of the car, a quiet calm voice responded, "Don't worry, we've already crucified Him." The rest of the trip down was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. Don't forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all would, just think how much better this world would be.

Santa Claus

I read an article in Christianity Today giving two sides of the "Santa controversy". I found it very interesting even though Ron and I came to our conclusions about it all years ago. It's interesting that the subject is still around and such a sensitive area still. Wednesday night Matthew came home with me from Awana and we stayed up late and watched the original "Miracle on 34th Street" which he has never seen before. In fact, the idea that someone didn't believe in Santa puzzled him. There is one man in that show who says "it's silly to believe that Santa Claus is real" and Matthew says "That man doesn't know anything Granny." I agreed with him and the movie reminded me again of the miracle of childhood. The magic of the imagination and anticipation and hope.

I was thinking what it would be like if we didn't have Santa at Christmastime. What else is there that brings that excitement and sparkle to the eyes of kids. As exciting as they are, even birthdays do not bring the same magic as Christmas.

Knowing that Christmas is centered around the birth of Christ does not diminish the magic, but actually in our family increases it. The mysteries of the birth, the shepherds, the wise men, the stable, the angels and star -- all are re-lived each and every year and the culmination of that truth is emphasized on Christmas morning with the personal receiving of gifts of love. I think that's why our Christmas traditions have endured so many years. The awe of the story of Mary, Joseph and the baby in the manger has not diminished as years go by and neither has the Christmas of our childhoods. We repeat them over and over every year and this season of the year is still our most special.

[This is the opinion of this author and does not reflect the view of management! So please don't pick a fight with me about this!)