Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Finding Jesus This Christmas


“I didn’t recognize you!” my niece remarked, after doing a double take.

That’s okay. I didn’t recognize her either, until I took a minute to really look at the young woman holding my great-nephew. I was wearing a short wig, and she, a blonde from birth, had died her hair brown. No wonder we didn’t recognize each other at first.

This Christmas season I’ve heard a lot of Christians grumbling about not hearing or seeing “Merry Christmas”, as though how others greet us, or what is or isn’t written on a paper coffee cup, determines whether Christ is recognized this Christmas.

The truth is that Christ is the whole reason for the celebration of the day. His name is the foundation of the word Christmas. But, do we recognize Him in the season? Are we slowing down and taking the time to really look for Him amidst all the busyness? Or do we give a cursory glance, like my niece and I exchanged recently, and end up missing Him? Are we depending on store clerks and coffee shops to point out Christ at Christmas?

My prayer is that we are seeking Him ourselves, like the magi that first Christmas who asked, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him." (Matthew 2:2)

Where can we find Jesus this Christmas?
            In sharing church services with friends and family
            In spending time alone with God and His Word
            In serving others as cooks, maids, waitresses, gift wrappers, babysitters, etc
            In entertaining ourselves with books and movies centered on Him
            In joining family devotions centered around an Advent wreath
            In choosing Christmas cards that reflect our beliefs about Christ
            In selecting gifts that speak of His love as well as ours
            In playing Christ-inspired music as we decorate, feast, and celebrate
           
On her blog, Kristen Welch offers 30 Ways to Keep Christ in Christmas, but I think Kristen's ideas will also help us recognize Christ this Christmas. Check them out!

Enjoy the season!

Blessings!
Pam
           
©2015 Pamela D. Williams