Always Christmas
As we enter the most wonderful time of the year, and begin to think about the reason for the season, we may subtly mourn, in advance, the seaason of Christmas coming to an end. Seasons are temporary, they come and go like the good, but sometimes no-so-pleasant, weather that comes with them. The food that we eat changes, as well as the clothing we wear, the gatherings we attend, and the decorations around us, both at home and in our communities.
All these things might make us wonder about what it would be like if Christmas was celebrated all year long. What if I told you it is supposed to be?
During this season, we are reminded about the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—from the time Mary had an encounter with the angel, Gabriel, the plan of Herod to eliminate any possibilities of someone taking his throne, to the moment baby Jesus came to this Earth and was placed in a manger. It is joyful to see this story being told through so many creative outlets and celebrated by so many, all over the world. After all, it is Jesus’s birthday, which is worth the festivities!
With that being said, let’s go back to this thought: what if Christmas can be celebrated all year long: What if we made Jesus Christ the center of all the joy, celebrations, stories, and love, exhalting Him for each of the 365 days in the year. The Bible tells us in Luke 15:7 that “there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (NIV). A big celebration in Heaven occurs every single time someone joins the family. Therefore, during Christmas, Heaven celebrates the act of peoples’ hearts turning toward God—people turning their lives to God—and this is constantly happening all year long.
In Heaven, it is always Christmastime!
I believe that it is only right to join this expression of joy and the celebration of life that comes with it. Jesus Christ’s story is written in the foundation of the love that he has for us. We should celebrate every time someone gets to experience it. After all, it is the TRUE reason for the season: Jesus Christ, our Lord, who was born and laid in a lowly manger, was crucified and resurrected all for Love. God sent Jesus to be born, die on the cross, and rise from the dead because He loves us. This entire act atones us of our sins, since sin separates us from God. This way, when God looks at us, now He sees Jesus atonement and no longer see ours sin. He did it because of His agape love.
This season, keep those decorations up a little longer, host a gathering a couple weeks after Christmas day—let these be reminders of what happens in Heaven, and be part of those celebrations. Share the love, hope, and joy of Christmas, louder than ever before. Praying blessings and health over you and your family this season. May God bless you, now and forever more. Merry Christmas!!!
