The Reason for the Season??

At this time of year, most of us, when we hear the phrase, "The Reason for the Season," think of the birth of Jesus.  After all, everyone agrees that Christmas is meant to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ - even those who disagree.  But, is that the "real" story?  Should that be the "real" story?

So, let's take a look at this.  Obviously we do not still use the same calendar that was used back in those times - but we do seem to universally agree that December 25th has been set aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Even though this has become a highly commercialized holiday, with much of the focus on giving and receiving gifts, family dinners, and even "light" wars to see who has the biggest, brightest, best holiday decorations.

Christmas programs are rampant - each telling the story of the birth of Jesus in their own style.  Even those who lack the flexibility (or maybe maturity) to allow religious freedom, rigorously oppose the idea of celebrating the holiday - oppose the term "Merry Christmas" - oppose nativity displays, etc.  In short, they oppose the telling of the story of the birth of Jesus and oppose that birth being the central point of the Christmas holiday.

So, we all make the association:  Christmas equals the birth of Jesus.  This is the reason for the season.  This is what we celebrate on December 25th.   That makes December 25th - Christ's Day. Again, is that entirely correct?

Adolph Hitler was born on April 20th.  Does that make April 20th "Hitler's Day"?  Of course not!

My point is simply this - if we narrow the meaning of December 25th to the birth of Jesus - we are missing most of the meaning!!

I think if you will take time to watch the video below, you will understand what I am saying.  The video is a bit lengthy - but it is well worth the time to watch it.

As you can see from the video, if all we are celebrating - if our only focus is on the birth of Christ - then we are missing quite a bit.  Christmas is not simply about the birth of Jesus - it is about the love of God.  The kind of love that caused God to send His own Son to this earth - to live among the people - face temptations - be shunned, persecuted and killed.  This is a depth of love that we have a hard time wrapping our heads around.  But it is real love - and the kind of love that Jesus commanded us to show for each other and that we show for Him.

So - what would our world be like if we really celebrated the true "Reason for the Season" - the love of God?  And what would happen if we carried this "Reason" in our hearts and lives all year long?

So, the next time you are tempted to think that the "Reason for the Season" is to celebrate the birth of Jesus, remember the story of John 3:16, what that means, and what the season is actually all about.