"How to Have the Best Christmas Ever"

As I think about what Christmas means to me and others, I am reminded that some people are very sad at this time of year.  Is there anything wrong with that?  Absolutely not!  Sadness, depression and anxiety are sicknesses and can not be snapped out of -- I know from my own experiences.

Grief is another misunderstood emotion.  Grieving is a process that can't be rushed.  Being thankful for things doesn't lessen the pain of losing something or someone.  It doesn't work that way.

Is Christmas a time to "suck it up" and put on a happy face?  No, but it is a time to lean upon the Lord as never before.  Finding the joy that only comes from God is the only way to get through the rough times that inevitably come.

What about gifts?  Is that what's important?  If you've ever seen "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" you'd know it's not what it's all about.  Celebrating Christmas is about having a giving heart and receiving the love of Christ.  A lot of people give and receive gifts but have a hollow, meaningless day.

Christmas is when we celebrate the gift of God in the form of a human baby.  He came in the most humble fashion -- born in a smelly barn -- to a young, unmarried lady and her fiancee.  He came to die that we might live forever.  He only asks for our heart in return.

Merry Christmas!!!

Philippians 2:6-11

6  Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

7 

rather, he made himself nothing

    by taking the very nature of a servant,

    being made in human likeness.

8 

And being found in appearance as a man,

    he humbled himself

    by becoming obedient to death—

        even death on a cross!

9 

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,

10 

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 

and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,

    to the glory of God the Father.