Perhaps I am a Scrooge. It is a little difficult to admit, but there is a part of me that leans toward the “Bah! Humbug!” side of Christmas. Maybe it’s because I am too selfish. Not with money. With time.
Christmas always comes with so many demands on my time. The to-do list is a mile long. Get the Christmas decorations out of storage, put lights on the house, buy a tree, decorate a tree, wait in traffic, wander through countless store isles looking for gifts to give, stand in line, Christmas musicals, services, parties . . . the list goes on and on.
Christmas demands too much of me. Although when I think about the real meaning of Christmas, I realize it might be quite appropriate that Christmas demand much of me. If I were to give to others all my time every December for the rest of my life, it would still only be a small sample of what God gave to us on the first Christmas. So what if for a few weeks at Christmas I have to give a little more of my self than usual? Maybe that’s just a little reminder that on the first Christmas, God gave all of Himself – Jesus Christ, “God With Us” – for all eternity.
“BEHOLD , THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON , AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL ,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US .”
– Matthew 1:23 NASB
Merry Christmas Mark and family. Have to admit I’m relating to Bah! Humbug! But you make a good point about the real meaning of Christmas.
Sabra,
Merry Christmas. And thanks for the comments and encouragement you have given me this year. I think the busy part is almost over now. Time for relaxation and celebration!
Mark
“Merry Christmas And May God Bless Us Every One.” – kerry (borrowed from Tiny Tim, I think it is?)