Christmas is Christ

I sat in the dark with only the Christmas lights twinkling. It seemed as if everyone in the world was asleep except me. It was so dark outside. No more beautiful Christmas lights or the warm glow they cast down my street. Just darkness. I reflected on how quickly time seems to be passing and how quickly the Christmas season came and went. Now it was another new year. I would be taking down my decorations tomorrow. It’s always a bit of a sad time. Putting it all away. Almost as if I’m packing up all the sweet, special memories of happiness and love and family. All the cheerful Christmas music, the glow that’s on our trees and in our hearts. The treasured ornaments that were gifts of the past and of the present. My mom’s Christmas plates and the decorations that once belonged to her and now hold such a special place in my heart. It would soon all be in boxes and put away for another year. I turned off the last of the lights and as I sat in the darkness my eyes were drawn to the beautiful stars outside. Just a moment ago, with all my twinkling lights on, the stars weren’t as noticeable, but now they sparkled with immense beauty. A beauty that touched me, because it reminded me of my Savior. I believe in that moment God brought the last verse of the hymn we had sung just the Sunday before to my heart and mind~ “In all our homes so cold and dark, please send your warmth sublime, the warmth that comes from Jesus love this blessed Christmas time”. It truly can be Christmas in our hearts every day, if Jesus dwells there. We don’t need the tree, the lights, the music, the gifts. We only need one gift and that gift is Jesus. Every day can feel like Christmas because every aspect of the joy of Christmas points back to Christ. Every part we hold so dear is a picture of Him and all He has done for us. A celebration we can share with everyone, no matter what time of year it is. A warmth that comes from Jesus love, even after the beautiful lights and decorations are taken down. A warmth that will brighten our dark homes and hearts. Tomorrow as the last box is put away, my heart will still sing. As Charles Dickens said~ “I will honor Christmas and try to keep it all the year”. Christmas isn’t over. I will celebrate it every day of this new year because..... Christmas is Christ.
​Romans 8:39

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