A couple of weeks ago I was out shopping with my mom. Upon entering Kirkland’s, a home décor store, we were welcomed with all sorts of Christmas decorations. One tabletop sign caught my eye. It had the following quote from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol

             For it is good to be children sometimes,

             And never better than at Christmas,

             When it’s mighty Founder was a child himself.

I stood there and debated whether or not to purchase this adorable sign but eventually decided I’d wait. However, I haven’t been able to get that quote out of my head. Yes, I know we haven’t even eaten our Thanksgiving meals yet; and your house may still have fall décor displayed, but my mind is already focused on Christmas! Why? Because I love the excitement around this amazing holy day. 

The start of the Christmas season brings a level of energy that’s different than any other holiday. It also brings a level of stress into many people’s lives. I’m going to encourage you to assess where your heart lies this year. Does the stress of gift buying, family gatherings, and balancing commercialism with “Jesus is the reason for the season,” weigh on you?

If it does, then take a minute to think about Christmas through a child’s eyes. They see lights strung on houses in the neighborhood and eyes widen as you drive through. They smell the fragrance of pine trees as ornaments are hung. Children look forward to Advent calendars with those little chocolates hidden behind numbered doors. They sit on Santa’s lap and whisper their biggest desires in hopes that they will wake up Christmas morning to that very gift. All of these things contribute to the anticipation and thrill of Christmas.

Sometimes as Christian adults we lose or suppress this feeling. We focus on making sure our kids, family, friends, co-workers know that we celebrate Christmas because of Jesus. And while there is absolutely nothing wrong with sharing our faith, we never want to lose the awe and wonder that comes with the birth of Jesus. It IS an amazing season. Our God came into this world as a baby, to live among us, to teach us, and, ultimately, die for us. 

How can we NOT be elated for this time of year? Let the anticipation of Christ’s coming bring you joy and fill your heart with marvel. We, as Christians, should be the most eager and enthusiastic for Christmas because we know the true meaning. The world may sometimes get it wrong but our joy can be a light pointing to, and reflecting, Jesus. Matthew 5:15 says “Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.” 

So when the craziness of the season begins to creep in, don’t forget to pause and see Christmas through the eyes of a child. Remember, Jesus himself said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matt 19:14) Gaze at the Christmas lights, smell the pine needles and revel in the fact that our long expectant Savior has come and we get to celebrate with joy and thanksgiving!