1 Thessalonians 1:5-7
5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. 6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.
I am not sure, but this year, the "Christmas Spirit" seems to evade me for some reason. Or at least, it has dulled my heart a bit. I try to get into the spirit by listening to Christmas carols, and watching Christmas movies, but the "spirit" is miss firing within me.
It's not that I don't love Christmas. I do. However, what I find as I grow older, is that the Christmas Spirit isn't present, but it cannot be forced by watching seasonal movies or listening to holiday music.
But what exactly is causing me to feel a little disenchanted? Maybe it's partly due the condition that our world is in. Having just come off a terrible pandemic that really turned the world sour and hindered us from being in a sense of joy for the Christmas season. In some regards, we have not fully recovered.
Also, we can look at the busyness and chaos of the season in a time of high inflation where prices are at an all time high isn't helping much either. Stress and anxiety are invading our joy. Some people I talk to are telling me that they can't wait for Christmas to be over with. Many are saying how tired and worn out, or weary they have become as they try to keep up with the pace of the nations' economy, as they try to please and satisfy their loved ones on Christmas day.
But if we just stop for a moment and look back in time, to that little town of Bethlehem, and revisit that manger where a Babe, wrapped in swaddling cloths lay, and rediscover the joy that He brought through His advent, that is God's gracious gift coming to earth in human flesh.
Perhaps, just maybe, we might see what the season is truly all about, and just might see the "Christmas Spirit" return. If we do that, then we might find the joy of Jesus refill our hearts and then we can shed the cares of this world from our minds, and see Jesus for who He was, is and is to come.
As this Christmas season climaxes this coming Christmas Day on Sunday, let us who are missing that "Christmas Spirit" at some level, and be reminded that it's not about Santa Claus, trees, decorations or presents. It is and has been all about the Savior of the world, the Lord Jesus. For without Him, there is no Christmas or Christmas Spirit - which is joy - and you cannot spell CHRISTmas without Christ!
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