What is Christmas?

Christmas is just around the corner. Not that there could be any way to forget. The stores have been decorated and playing Christmas music for quite a while now. Soon the frenzy of getting the last gifts and the best deals will begin. Is this what Christmas is all about?  Santa Claus, elves, and Rudolf are more known and depicted than baby Jesus. While we know that December 25 is not really the birthdate of Jesus, shouldn't  He still be the center of this holiday?
Somehow we have forgotten what it is all about. I was reminded by a little boy this Sabbath what Christmas truly means. He  sang  the song called "Happy Birthday Jesus" which talks about how while presents and bells may be nice, it is all about Jesus.
Another thing I have realized is that Christmas has become  so very materialistic . Where is the simple pleasure of cutting down just the perfect tree and enjoying the beauty of family. Growing up in Africa, Christmas was something so very special. Even the year when we had only a few pine  branches as a tree could not have been lovelier.  Christmas was a time to spend  with family. We would light the candles on the tree, and  just sit there in a sense of awe and thankfulness. Christmas presents were few, but it did not matter. We would usually get juice or a can if Pringles  and some other little things.. No money-bought toys and expensive gadgets could  have replaced the gift of family. We sang a few songs, read  the Christmas story and that was the extent of our celebration. The memories however linger to this day. So now as we enter into this holiday season, may we remember what it is all about. Most of all it is about Jesus who came into this world as a helpless babe. Secondly it is about the ones we love the most. There is nothing wrong with presents, but oh there is so much more to this holiday than that. Instead of a holiday frenzy, may this season be one that draws us closer to our Lord and to each other. Happy holidays!

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