Christmas is being celebrated in different ways, and for various reasons. But no one can deny the fact that Christmas is also a Christians'' holiday. As such, the Christian Bible declares that "God so loved the world that He gave His ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, that WHOSOEVER believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16) Christ Jesus, therefore, is the only reason, and the true gift of Christmas..the gift of God to humankind. By fully recognizing this GIFT, we get out of Christmas all that it was meant to give ... Love...Joy...Peace...Everlasting Life.
Several years ago a certain Dictator from a foreign country placed a freeze on Christmas, by postponing Christmas until July of the following year; after all the crops would have been reaped from the sugarcane fields. So there was no Christmas celebrations for the people of that country. But those who believed, knew that there could be no freeze on the blessings of Christmas. For Christ is the soul and the Spirit of Christmas.
Jesus, the Christ of Christmas, told His followers, "Ye are the salt of the earth" (Matthew 5:13). Salt, Because of its preservative qualities, retards and prevents corruption and destruction to that which it preserves. Therefore, the Christians...the Salt of the earth, should strive diligently to propagate the true message of Christmas, and preserve its true meaning...The Gift of Eternal Life, through Christ.
The mark of the true Christmas spirit is GIVING! So every effort should be made to springle a little salt of love; a little salt of joy; and a little salt of kindness; not only among family and friends, but wherever it is needed. So, "Go your way, eat the fat and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy unto our Lord; and be exceedingly joyful for the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10) For, "If the salt has lost its taste...its strength...its quality, how can it be effective? How can its saltness be restored? It is thenceforth not good for anything" (Matthew 5:13))
The Christmas story tells of the shining star that led the Wisemen to Bethlemen''s cradle. So let the Christ-light within you be expressed all around you. And, may this same "star"...this Christ-light shines brightly in your sky - leading you on through this Season and every day of the coming year. May you enjoy the true joys of living. HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLEST NEW YEAR!