August 28
A Summer Christmas
My Youth Sunday School teacher would start the Christmas season the same way every year: “This year, we need to learn about the real meaning of Christmas.” She got my attention the first year she said that, but by the third year I said to myself, “Haven’t we already done that.”
It might be impossible to get to the real meaning of Christmas, because we always have Christmas during the Christmas season. Don’t get me wrong; Christmas is a wonderful time of year. The main complaint I have about Christmas is that I’m always too busy with the Christmas season to enjoy Christmas. Whether it is activity at the church or family responsibilities, something usually keeps me busy. I look for Christ in Christmas, but the tree, wrappings and lights block my view.
This year, I’ve decided to have my Christmas before the season. I want to caress the truth that God loved me enough to send His Son to earth to face hardships, temptations, and the cross for me. For me!
For you, too!
And John said, “For God so loved the world that He gave …” For the whole wide world!
The first truth calls me to sacred introspection, and the last truth calls me to action. Since I’m having my Christmas in August this year, I’ve decide to go ahead and start my Christmas shopping for Christ. After all, it is His birthday we’re celebrating.
Jim L. Wilson, Fresh Start Devotionals (Fresno, CA: Willow City Press, 2009).
A Summer Christmas
My Youth Sunday School teacher would start the Christmas season the same way every year: “This year, we need to learn about the real meaning of Christmas.” She got my attention the first year she said that, but by the third year I said to myself, “Haven’t we already done that.”
It might be impossible to get to the real meaning of Christmas, because we always have Christmas during the Christmas season. Don’t get me wrong; Christmas is a wonderful time of year. The main complaint I have about Christmas is that I’m always too busy with the Christmas season to enjoy Christmas. Whether it is activity at the church or family responsibilities, something usually keeps me busy. I look for Christ in Christmas, but the tree, wrappings and lights block my view.
This year, I’ve decided to have my Christmas before the season. I want to caress the truth that God loved me enough to send His Son to earth to face hardships, temptations, and the cross for me. For me!
For you, too!
And John said, “For God so loved the world that He gave …” For the whole wide world!
The first truth calls me to sacred introspection, and the last truth calls me to action. Since I’m having my Christmas in August this year, I’ve decide to go ahead and start my Christmas shopping for Christ. After all, it is His birthday we’re celebrating.
Jim L. Wilson, Fresh Start Devotionals (Fresno, CA: Willow City Press, 2009).
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