Countdown to 30: Day 22 Love/Hate Christmas

Hey Gang! Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. I love the music, the decorations, the coolness in the air although we haven't had a winter in MS for I don't know how long but I digress. I love the cheer that it brings to people and how this special holiday brings families together. The Christmas specials on TV have me jumping with glee. Christmas is a celebration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ's birth. Sadly, we and I do mean WE have taken Christ out of Christmas. We have become consumed with the commercialism of the holiday. Many go into debt trying to buy that Wii U or Xbox 360 for their child or even die trying to purchase a gift. It's like people become animals for that day after thanksgiving sale. Somewhere, we have lost the true meaning of Christmas which is to celebrate the greatest gift that God ever gave the world, His son.

My love/hate relationship with the holidays is also that we only take this time of year to do something "nice" for people. There are people in need everyday, not just Christmas. This time of the year is the only time that some people even bother to volunteer to visit the sick, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, etc. But as Christians, we are called to do this year round. I can't point my finger at anyone because I myself have fallen victim to this as well. We as Christians have to become better in  being about our Father's business. Do you think God really cares about the holiday parties, the expensive gifts, the selfishness? I don't think He's pleased at all that we've alienated one time of year to be "nice" and be of good cheer. Giving gifts isn't a problem but the motive behind the sometimes is. Are you giving to get or giving out of pure love? I think it's time for us as Christians and a society to really dig deep about are motives and intentions during the holiday season. Again, I love the holiday and what it stands for but I hate the free for all spirit that it's becoming.

So what now? How do we change things? I can't really answer that but can face the woman in the mirror and make a commitment to show love, care, and cheer 365 days a year. I can commit to truly being about my Father's business not just during the holidays but every day of the year. I believe that's a personal commitment that every Christian has to make for itself. I attempt to help others throughout the year with I guess more done during the holidays. It's time for me to develop and implement a plan to help the sick, feed the hungry and clothe the naked throughout the year and not just during the holidays. I'm not saying not do anything for anyone during the holidays but to spread that good fortune throughout the year.

My take home message....
Give love not just on Christmas but everyday of the year. Remember why we celebrate Christmas and the awesome wonder of our Savior's birth. Reflect on that gift for a while and see if that doesn't change your perspective and how you operate the other 364 days of the year. If you're going to give, give without the expectation of receiving. That is where your true blessings lay. Let go of selfishness and take on selflessness. Give to someone who you know are in need. Adopt a family not just for the holidays but for the entire year. Thank you Lord for sending your son to save a cruel world and poor wretch like me. Thank you Lord for loving me so much. I pray that everyone has a Merry Christmas. Until tomorrow.....

Love Always

Doc J

*Here are a few of my FAV Christmas tunes*

Okay, okay, I'll stop here...there are just too many to chose from lol! Merry Christmas Everyone!!!