The magic of Christmas

"So, what is the magic of Christmas? It is a lot of things. Many wonderful things which only come but once a year. But it also marks a time which there will now be hope for the hopeless, life for the lifeless, and love for the unloved."

What is it about Christmas? It is that time of year when friends seek out friends, family always seems to get along better, and our hearts grow (as said in Grinch) - to ten times their size. It is, as the saying goes, the most wonderful time of the year.

Those who are faith based, find a special joy in the Christmas celebrations. Even those who are not faith based, find a different kind of joy during this season. Houses are decorated, some have lights on the outside of their houses, many have presents under a decorated tree, and for the first time in many months, Christmas music is allowed to fill the house.

Last night we had some friends over for a early Christmas get together. It was some friends we have not seen for a while. As much as we like getting together with these folks, there was something even more special in getting together during this time of year. We had some holiday Hors d'Oeuvres, had a nice fire in the hearth (almost too much of a fire!), listened to Christmas music, and caught up with a whole lot of conversation. It was a wonderful evening.

But I would be remiss if I did not mention the reason for the season. After coming to know the Lord, I could not imagine what celebrating Christmas would be like without the Christ in Christmas. There would still be (what some call), the Santa Clause magic. But without the wonder in the manger, and how it would change the world, a Santa Christmas alone, would ring hollow. 

When the Old Testament ended, and the prophets were done foretelling of the coming of the Emanual (God is with us), the world went into a 400-year waiting period. For 400 years, the faithful waited for the birth of this baby who would change our world, change everything - forever. And then that one December night, in a little obscure town in the Middle East - it happened. The Christ child was born. 

So, what is the magic of Christmas? It is a lot of things. Many wonderful things which only come but once a year. But it also marks a time which there will now be hope for the hopeless, life for the lifeless, and love for the unloved.

That dark and lonely night in December so many years ago, our world changed. That is the real magic of Christmas. The hope, the joy, the wonder. Emanual has come - and for that alone, I wish a Merry Christmas to all!