THE Gift of Christmas

Do you hear what I hear? It is the sound of Good News! This week, at the Joyeful Journey, we are discovering the sounds of Christmas.

Many have heard it said:

"Jesus is the Reason for the Season."

So, it has become a cliche phrase.
Possibly even a statement rejecting Christmas commercialism.
When read, this phrase may have Christians nodding, and maybe others rolling their eyes. At least, that is what I had done in the past, when all that 'God-stuff was nonsense.'

But.
This is the simple truth.

There is Good News to be told.

Jesus really is the Greatest Gift of All.
He IS our Christmas present.

You see.

This gift called Jesus is
Free.
Filled with Hope.
Filled with Promises kept.
Does not disappoint.
Listens.
Welcomes.
Loves fully.
And delivers Joy,
Peace,
and Eternal Life.

Really.
And contrary to what some might have heard:
Jesus tells us himself that This Gift, Himself,
does not come with strings attached.

So. This Christmas.
Maybe it is time for you to unwrap the Gift that was given to you so long ago?
The first sounds of Christmas:
"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."' - Luke 2:8-14

• decorating note: The bows that top our Christmas trees are there to represent the "Greatest Gift of All: Jesus." Our family gathers together for the ceremonious tree topping, and just before adding the bows to the tops of our trees, we ask the kids "What is the Greatest Gift of Christmas????" We treasure this memory each year.
• for more on our brown paper packages tied up with string, and why Jesus is missing from the manger, Click Here for my post on some of our favorite Christmas traditions.