What is it about Christmas that conjures up a warm fuzzy feeling, yet at the same time creates anxiety at the thought of everything that needs to be done? Our parent’s generation embraced what they called the most wonderful time of the year with seemingly little effort. That of course is from a child’s perspective.

People today seem more stressed and triggered by Christmas than ever. The year 2021 brings another variant into the equation. Will we be permitted to meet together in churches normally packed to capacity for the biggest holiday on the calendar?

Christmas seems abnormal without the gatherings we have come to treasure. Can we enjoy the holidays without them? Undoubtedly.

Customary festivities recede into the mundane when we focus on a singular event in mankind’s history. Isaiah prophesied the day we now call Christmas some 2,700 years ago.

ISAIAH 9:2
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.”

This solitary fact—that the Light of the world entered our human experience more than 2,000 years ago—is the foundation for celebrating Christmas (cf. Lk. 2). The Western world acknowledges the one holiday associated with Jesus Christ’s birth on the 25th of December. In this day of “cancel culture,” it’s crucial we celebrate.

Our home will be filled with the aroma of fruitcake, cookies and homemade candy throughout the month of December. And every year, I feel nostalgic about Christmas past, especially the 60s.

We don’t need the trappings, however. They are optional. I’m not suggesting we throw everything away. Our activities should always lead us to the real reason for the season.

Enjoy the lights, indulge in the goodies and cherish your memories. But then, take a fresh look at the Bible narrative. When we focus our minds and hearts on the Word of God, the Light of Christmas shines brightly!

P.S. My Christmas devotional series will be available daily throughout the month of December on both the Olive Tree Alliance and Charles E. McCracken Ministries websites. I hope you’ll be blessed by these short reads!

IMAGES:
1) Christmas Candlelight. (Images used for illustrative purposes) (Image credit: Pixabay/Enhancement, MKM Portfolios)

Copyright © 2019 Charles E. McCracken, devotional comments only, updated 2020. Repost/Reprint with permission from the author. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Charles E. McCracken is an international Bible teacher, long-time friend of Israel and advocate for the Jewish people. Rev. McCracken authentically communicates biblical truth making his presentations relevant for those seeking to understand the significance of Israel and the church in Bible prophecy. He staunchly supports the nation of Israel and the Jewish people’s right to exist and live in peace.