Another Christmas has come. How was it for you? Are you glad it is here? Are you ready for it to be over? Or is it? The Christmas season actually begins today and runs through January 6, Epiphany. For manu, the parties and gift exchanges and busyness continue up through the New Year and beyond. I know that is true in my household. All three of my daughters and their families are arriving at our house in the coming days and we will celebrate together this weekend.

So what has been the focal point of this season for you? Did you remember whose birth we are supposed to be celebrating? The following story was sent to me many years ago, and I used it many times, because it helps put Christmas in the proper perspective.

A woman was out Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable, and hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids.

She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year. Overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, getting that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, making sure we don’t forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.

Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids in with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn’t take it anymore and stated, “Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot.”

From the back of the car everyone heard a quiet calm voice respond, “Don’t worry we already crucified him.” For the rest of the trip down the elevator it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.

 The message is so straightforward and powerful. Those who are looking for joy in gifts and shopping and parties and people will never find it. True Joy is found in the birth of Jesus Christ. That was and always will be the most significant event in the history of this world.

The reason this is true is because without Jesus, we would have no hope. We would be doomed to destruction and eternal separation from God because of our sin. But God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting men’s sins against them (2 Cor. 5:19) That was all part of God’s plan. He was crucified to pay for the sins of everyone. That’s why He came. His resurrection sealed the deal, proclaiming His victory over death and the grave for everyone. Faith in Him assures you of forgiveness and eternity with Him.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.