'Are You Ready for Christmas?'
By J. James Estrada (12/23/07)
Are you ready for Christmas? Where did the months go? It's been a blur since summer passed and autumn – such as it is – arrived. Each night the television bombards us with seasonal specials, tree lightings and commercials that promote the perfect gift. It seems the perfect gift is seen this year as a set of brand new matching sports cars. It's time to shut off the flat panel and get some clear night air into the lungs; winter oxygen for the brain.
Some know that the real reason for the season is to celebrate the birth of Christ. Simple gift giving and gathering with loved ones is part of the celebration. Getting into debt and fighting over the latest electronic gadgets, expensive jewelry and shiny new golf clubs is not. The best gift I can think of receiving is a hug from someone who loves me. Someone who will not let go first.
Love is the message that we should all expect to receive and give this year. Joy and peace are such rarities in our busy lives, it's all but normal to accept mayhem and anxiety in their stead. With the passing of the years, have we grown more forgiving and compassionate for the struggles people face, or, do we demand our needs be met first? Jesus gave up Heaven to come to a fallen earth. Will we give up earthly thirsts and desires to find Heaven?
It's Christmas again. It comes every year. And each year we say this is the year of new and true happiness. But we all know that it passes so quickly and the feelings of hope are gone with the turning of the calendar. How can this cycle be replaced this year with a meaningful starting line to a better end?
The answer comes from the Gospel story. Jesus arrived in manger. He was wrapped in swaddling cloth and was kept warm by the breath of cattle and sheep. The smells that filled his nostrils were not of burning chestnuts and evergreen trees. And yet, through his birth, the world was changed. He did not come as a king, but kings came unto him. They brought gifts of gold and fine spices. His regal calling brought forth earthly riches.
Each of us has a kingly calling within our hearts. It is our destiny to live a life that lines up with God's determined plans for us. He is not a creator who leaves his creation to rot and fade away. On the contrary, he calls us jewels; jewels that he will polish and place in eternal crowns for his great pleasure.
So, what is the perfect gift? Is it the fancy watch? The diamond necklace? The silk scarf? How about the handsome tie, the gaudy sweater and the golden cuff links? For the kids, is it the computer game system and the ipod? No, the greatest gift for all ages is the Rock of Ages himself, Jesus. There really is no better gift.
J. James Estrada
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