It seems that the real Christmas meaning has been lost these days, “the reason for the season” in one way, is to have more time to rush from store to store, spending all your pay! Shouldn’t it be ‘Tis the season to be thankful and grateful for all we have and to think about those who don’t?  To share with others and pray for those who can’t?

Then I thought, “What is it about the Christmas Season that brings out the worst, causing us to lose all, rhyme and reason?”  It begins the day after Thanksgiving when someone grabs the last sale item from the shelf, knocking down several people without even knowing it . The very day after they were sitting at their table saying how thankful they were for all they had. And yet, they were all out the very next day grabbing for more.  What happened to that thankfulness?  That story was told more than once this week, but the beauty of the Season, not once did they speak.

Then I thought of my childhood days when the season was filled with mirth, and how we planned together to celebrate the Birth.  Credit cards were a luxury only the rich could afford, and there were no Wal-Marts and shopping centers galore.

My mother would sometimes spend months crocheting a shawl, or knitting and sewing gifts for us all.  I would have that beautiful new dress I wanted to wear my first day back to school after the holiday.  My dad would work long hours for extra pay so we could have one special gift under the tree on that special day.  My mother would stuff my Dad’s big socks with nuts, fruit and some candy for each of us.  We were so grateful and happy for that toy and sock.  We were a big family that shared a lot, but there was always room for one more potato in the pot. And it seemed that there was always an extra person or two at our table to share that potato.

On Christmas Eve the only pushing and shoving I can retrace, was to see who could get the closest to the warmth of the fire.  In those days we had one car that was for us all, and there were no cell phones to interrupt with a call.  We had one pair of shoes to do for the week, and a special pair for Sunday that made us feel sheik.  The same was true of our coveralls, while mother cut our hair, and at times left us bald.  No hair salons for us.

While today, our hi-tech hustle and bustle leaves us in a whirl and many have forgotten the One that came to save the world.  Celebrate with me right now, “the reason for the season;” lift up a prayer and praise to God for that baby that was born, and our Savior that was raised.

Let’s say that extra prayer that peace will abound in the world and our servicemen and women will be safe away from their families and know just how much they are loved and admired, not only by their loved ones but by all of us who are free today because of the legacy that has been left by all men and women of all branches of the services,  who have faithfully served our country in all wars.

Thank you God for this beautiful world and the people in it,  from all walks of life.  Let us continue to prosper and help others.  We are not worthy of your greatness  God, but we will spend all eternity trying to be.  In Jesus name, we pray o’ Lord.  Amen.