Remembering Christ in Christmas

A week or two ago I was feeling frustrated and worried about not having enough money to buy a lot of gifts for Christmas. I drove Alyssa to a party this evening and on my way home was mesmerized by the lights and decorations on homes in my neighborhood. I loved them all but especially one I saw with a beautiful manger scene in the front yard. Just by chance I was listening to my Christmas From the Heart CD by David Archuleta. "Oh Holy Night" was the song playing.  I had realized earlier today that it was 3 years ago this date that Alyssa, Kaili and I went to his Christmas concert, the tour for the same album. I continued to listen to the rest of the album in my parked car outside my apartment. With tears in my eyes my realization that helping others and giving to others, not with Christmas presents but in other ways is really what Christmas is all about. Not the hustle and bustle of black Friday, fighting over a $2 item that you or the recipient of your gift might not even need.
Money is a little bit better at the moment, though far from ideal, but today I was able to help my oldest daughter with some things she needs. That felt good to be able to do for her and seriously, my worries about being able buy Christmas presents was melted away when I helped her.
So back to Christ in Christmas. I remember the simple movie that so many of us know and watched when we were kids. Charlie Brown's Christmas. The part where Linus tells the story of the birth of the Saviour as is in the bible. The moment gave a light of hope in the commercialized Christmas being worried about in the story.
The birth of our Saviour needs to find it's way back into Christmas or otherwise if we "x" that out, it just becomes "x"-mas. My encouragement to anyone reading this blog; Find a neighbor, a friend or even a family member in need to do something for this Christmas. The gift that feels the heart with hope is far greater than the gift that you stick under a tree.

Luke 2: 8-14
8: And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9: And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.10: And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11: For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.12: And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13:And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.


Merry Christmas to all my friends and family. And hope for a prosperous and joyous 2013 and beyond.