
The season according to we Christians officially began with Advent, which this year began this past Sunday. Advent marks the anticipation, joy and excitement that grows as the time of the commemoration of that blessed event arrives. On this past Sunday we lit the first candle of four placed in the outer ring within the Adventwreath, signifying an important part of our spiritual preparation. The wreath contains one additional candle at the center of the four, a white candle signifying the birth of the Christ Child. Often that final candle is lit on Christmas Eve services but this year it will be done on Christmas Day since it falls on a Sunday, the Lord's Day, this year.
And Christmas time brings memories of the more traditional Christmas of my earlier years, a time when stores were decked out in Christmas decorations announcing Christmas. Some even displayed the manger scene in the window as well as the Menorah representing Hanukkah, celebrated by our Jewish friends who share our belief in Jehovah, the one and only God. Of course Santa Claus was on display with the reindeer and what not, but it was always clear that the season was Christmas, not some politically correct alternative with no real meaning. It was a great time for shopping, parties and the most wonderful church services possible. Most of the churches had Christmas pageants, caroling and magnificent worship events near midnight on Christmas Eve. And everyone wished one another Merry Christmas, regardless of personal view. We didn't take offense to honoring of the majority belief and we wished our Jewish brethren Happy Hanukkah plus good wishes for all others as well.
In the Spirit of Christmas, I will devote my blog this month to all things Christmas. We might talk about some of the fun things added for children such as Santa and his elves but the thrust will principally be directed at the real reason for the Season, the birth of the Christ Child.
So if you are a believer speak up and out, don't be afraid to wish all about you a Merry Christmas, for think about it, it's one of the best wishes that we Christians could offer if we truly believe He is the King of Kings and the one who saves our souls. And to really get you in the mood, you might want to copy and paste the link below to a video of a beautiful singer, Becky Kelley, presenting a wonderful song in a thoughtful setting so appropriate for this time of year. If this doesn't focus you on what is really important, nothing will.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OExXItDyWEY
Merry Christmas, everyone. It's truly the wonderful time of the year.