I can’t believe it’s already Christmas and 2016 is just around the corner! Some people call it the ‘silly season’, where everyone goes crazy, shopping and pounding the mall looking for the perfect gifts for friends and family. Yes it is the Christmas season and hasn’t it came upon us so fast?
This season represents a lot more than shopping and eating too much food. It’s a time for family, laughter and reflection.
I love the Christmas season because it’s a season of family. For me family is the most important thing in the world. Spending quality time with my 2 boys and Janine is absolute priceless. To take some time off work and invest into arguably one of the most important things in our life. I love the lead up to Christmas, when my boys have already changed their wish list at least 4 times hoping for the ultimate gift and seeing the look on their faces when they finally get to open their presents. I love the fact that I get to spend time with my family and listen to the things that are on their heart.
I love the Christmas season because it’s a season of laughter. It’s the water fights, it’s the swimming in your friend’s pool, it’s the BBQ, the beach cricket and hot days in the sun. In Proverbs it says that a merry heart is good medicine. I think it’s true. When I laugh, I feel better. This season seems to wash away the sorrows of this year and gives me hope and vision for the New Year.
Lastly, it’s a season of reflection. The most known scripture for this season is ‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’
Christmas is a season to reflect on the moment when Jesus was born into this world to restore the relationship with all mankind. We should never lose the importance of this moment in the busyness of the season. I would like to encourage you to pause and reflect with your family why this season is so important. Attend your local church on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Sing the carols and feel the presence of God fall on you as you worship the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
Janine and I pray that this Christmas will be blessed and that your New Year will be full of surprises and wonderment of Gods goodness in your life.