Christmas Advent with anticipation of celebrating the birthday of our Savior and King, should be a joyous time–and is for many. On the other hand, for others, it is a saddening time, not because of our later Christ's crucifixion, but due to our human frailties: wars, terrorists' attacks, our own actions and others' brought about by our sinful natures.
With the recent national day of thankfulness, fresh on our minds, and daily thankfulness and praise, we pray to overcome the melancholy, loneliness and heartbreak in our lives and in the lives of others, in order to focus on "the reason for the season."
When the clouds are overhead, and the rains fall, we need to remember God is in the rain, the same as He is in the sunshine, and in the stars' promises at His birth. He is still in the miracle-making business and sustains us, though it may be hard for us to remember at difficult times. He has sustained us through millennia, although through the ages, we have broken our pacts with him and our promises to Him, disappointing Him in so many ways by disobedience. However, Christmas can be a time of reflection, celebrations, and remembering why Jesus came to earth in human form.
It may be difficult to imagine that the tiny, innocent Baby Jesus was, is and always will be the omniscient God, whose life we celebrate December 25.
Let us open our gifts of peace, joy, hope, and love. Peace of mind and heart; joy of the birth of Christ in us; hope that God's good comes to me and those around me; and unconditional love that is good to see the best in others and to be kind and passionate.
Thank You, God, for the gifts of Christmas.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Reason for Christmas brings joy