Love. That is what it is all about. Even if you don’t believe in Christ as the Messiah (savior of the world), you still cannot argue with the fact that the idea of it, is an idea of nothing but love.
I love Thanksgiving, and I love Christmas more. Even though the holiday was never established in the Bible (there is no “Christmas” reference, nor is there any direction to celebrate the Birth of Christ, yet there are many declarations to celebrate the “feasts”), it has become the most celebrated day the world over… and I cannot think that God does anything but smile at this celebration.
“Hey, look Son… they are talking about you again. You know, I am not sure why they keep putting Santa in the middle of your celebration, but hey, they are talking about you again.” “Yeah, seems like they get pretty excited about us this time of year, you know dad, I think they really do a good job of looking into each others lives every December.”… or not.
I know there are ups and downs in the Christmas season. We feel love and joy, and desperation and disappointment, and stress and anxiety, and the list goes on. But the emotion that should run deep, as we celebrate a victory from over 2,000 years ago, is simply love.
As Jars of Clay say, “Love came down at Christmas…
Love, a lovely love divine
Love was born at Christmas
Stars and angels gave the sign
Love will be our token
Love be yours, and love be mine
Love from God to all of us
Love for plea and gift a sign
Love for the 10 commandments
Love for the 9 that dress so fine
Love for the 8 that stood at the gate
Love for the 7 who went up to Heaven
Love for the 6 that never got fixed
Love for the 5 that stayed alive
Love for the 4 that stood at the door
Love for the Hebrew children
Love from the little babe, baby.”
What a simplistic song of Love. I know some people wonder why I write Daily Sprout’s with such simple a focus. And I have to say, there is no reason, other than my desire to express love, and to see love expression. I am so overjoyed at this time of year, as I hear stories of Christmas. I have to admit, today was a fantastic day, for one reason more than any other. The Be Rich Campaign at the Northpoint Churches (wrote about it earlier), raised over $5M in approximately two weeks.
This money was disseminated to many strategic partners. This morning, a video was played showing these partners receiving the checks. I tell you, it is moving to see a church provide a mission with their entire annual budget all in one shot. It moved me to tears, and has kept me happy all day long! So, what is the best way to show love? Go out and do it! Simply be a loving person, and let those around you know it… you won’t regret it!
So for this Christmas, don’t just recognize that it is all about love, but celebrate the reason, and be loving!
God Bless you all! – Dr. E