It's hard to believe December is already here. Time seems to just fly by the older I get. I always love December, though- its like a celebration the whole month. Its also a time I struggle to keep the true meaning of Christmas at the forefront in my life, my family, even in my work. It seems every year there is more to take away from the truth- more stuff to buy, more commercializing, more crowds, and sadly, more who want to erase the season's real meaning. There are more and more efforts to be "culturally sensitive" and call the time, "Winter Holiday"; to say "Seasons Greetings" and "Happy Holidays" rather than "Merry Christmas". Yet no one would consider renaming Hannakuh or Kwanza or Islamic holy days. It seems the only ones certain people don't mind offending are Christians and those who love Christmas, a Christian-based holiday.
Well, whatever the world does this time of year, whatever noise, lights and busyness tries to crowd out the real Christmas, as for me and my family, we'll remember and celebrate - The God who loved this world He created so much, that He took on human form and entered human history Himself in the form of helpless baby, born to a teenage mother, in an unsanitary barn, in a desert outpost of the Roman Empire. That baby was Jesus the Messiah, who radically changed the world forever. We'll keep Christmas, and worship "the new-born King."
"For to us a child has been born; to us a son has been given. The government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
Rob