Christmas Fever

I admit it! I absolutely love the Christmas season more than any other season, and for more than just the lights, ribbons, caroling, thoughts of being with family and the giving and receiving of gifts. As the clouds accumulate and the temperature drops, I get giddy with anticipation of the first snowfall. I’ll tell you why. A couple of years ago I was living on campus and working at the Seminary Information office. One night it snowed leaving a velvety blanket of soft powder on the dormant tree limbs and ground. During the wee hours of the morning I walked across campus to work and was amazed at the beauty I saw. I stood silent in the center of the field and lifted my gaze to the sky. It was dark with the exception of a full moon and the stars twinkling in the distance. The silence was almost deafening except for the soft clinking of crystal as the snow hit the ground. I felt like I was the only person in the world and for a brief moment felt the weight of the sinfulness of mankind. I realized again, as if for the first time, what an amazing God we have. As winter covers the lifeless earth so Christ covers us with his forgiveness and love, creating us anew and bringing Spring into the hearts of those who receive Him as Lord. I knew with certainty that if I was the only person in the world that God would send His son Christ Jesus to bring me back into a right relationship with Him. I sank to the ground and thanked God for his faithfulness.
Being so far from family and not having a lot of money to purchase gifts for my loved ones, It was a gynormous reminder of who this season and every season should be celebrating. Immanuel– God with us. Merry Christmas to you and your families! May you realize the true reason for this season.