Christmas Legacy

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

Everyone loves a holiday. Right now, we are in that most wonderful time of the year when we enjoy the most celebrated holiday of them all – Christmas. Ninety-five percent of all Americans celebrate Christmas. But, do we really celebrate it in the right way and for the right reasons?

Nobody celebrates Christmas more enthusiastically than children. And yet, when you look at the fruit of the Christmas celebration in most of our homes, it makes you wonder what message we are sending them. One person put it this way, “More often than not, the trail of shredded paper in our living rooms is highlighted by broken, abandoned, and unappreciated toys. Far from being filled with the spirit of thankfulness for all that Christmas means, the children are grabby, crabby, sullen, and ungrateful for what they have received – precisely because they have received so much.”

I believe there is a right way to celebrate Christmas; and the scene I just described is not it! And yet, for many people – even followers of Christ – Christmas becomes centered on shopping, wrapping, cooking, and decorating. While all of these things are a part of this sacred celebration in our culture, they should not be the biggest, or most important, part.

Christmas is a story of hope and love that has been passed down from generation to generation for more than 2,000 years now. And the way we choose to celebrate it will determine how it is passed down in our families. What will our children treasure most? Will it be the fleeting pleasure of gifts soon forgotten, or the greatest and eternal gift of the Savior?

So, this Christmas, I challenge you to think about the Christmas legacy you are leaving in your family. May each gift that is purchased, each party that is attended, and each ornament that is hung be a celebration of Jesus – the Savior and King who was born to redeem us all.

Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your Son that you gave us so many years ago. I pray that this time of year would be a great reminder of the most wonderful gift every given and that I would share the good news of the gift of Jesus and salvation with those I come in contact with this holiday season. In Jesus' name, amen.