What does Christmas mean to you? I remember how I use to feel about Christmas when I was growing up. Every year after Thanksgiving the count down would begin. I always knew how many days were left before Christmas vacation started. I also knew just exactly how many packages were under the tree with my name on them. We had many beautiful lights and decorations around our home. I remember enjoying my Mother's Christmas cookies and listening to my favorite Christmas albums (over and over again!) One snowy Christmas Eve in particular, I recall hearing that Santa and his reindeer had been seen in our neighborhood. Oh my! Back then, that was really exciting news!!


As I got older, somehow Christmas seemed to change. How could this be? I still listened to Christmas music and I continued to bake my Mothers Christmas cookies. I even had many lights and decorations throughout my home and there were still packages under my tree. Somehow they just didn't seem to be as important to me. Why is that? Occasionally I would spot Santa at the Mall. I found myself wondering why he ever meant so much to me. Why was I feeling so empty inside?


At Christmas time being with family and friends is what many people seem to enjoy most. Unfortunately, many of us have experienced times when we didn't feel up to celebrating with others. What happens when we are grieving over the death of a loved one, or what if we are sick or going through hard times? How can we possibly enjoy Christmas then?


After I thought about it, I began to realize what Christmas means to me now. I found that it is in quiet moments as I begin to meditate and pray that I begin to feel the spirit of Christmas come alive. I have discovered that Christmas isn't just about Santa, music, cookies, snow, decorations and presents. I've learned that it is really about God's "presence." His presence is something that I can count on regardless of my lifes circumstances.


Now I find that I like to sit and reflect on the birth of Jesus and about how He came into this world to be a light for all men. His light can outshine any other Christmas light and His presence is the best gift that anyone can ever receive. Today I still celebrate Christmas with music, decorations, cookies, gifts and time spent with family and friends. The only difference is that I take the time to remember the real reason for the season and His name is Jesus.

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Oh little town of Bethlehem