The Most Wonderful Time of The Year?
There’ll be much mistletoe-ing, And hearts will be glowing, When loved ones are near, It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
The popular Christmas song tells us that this is the most wonderful time of the year. I believe it! In churches of Christ it is our tradition to downplay the religious overtones of the Christmas season. I’ve always found that quite curious. The virgin birth of the Christ-Child is a key testimony of the deity of Jesus. The numerous prophecies fulfilled, the angelic appearances, and events surrounding the advent of the Messiah all stir the heart and remind us of the faithfulness of God.
In addition, this may be the only time of the year that Jesus takes a prominent role in our community. It is true that we have no obligation in Scripture to recognize a particular day to celebrate His birth. It is also true that anytime we choose to consider any truth from the life of Jesus we do a good thing!
It’s hard to imagine Christmas without Christ….but that’s exactly what many in our country desire. In a recent advertising gaffe, Lowes re-named Christmas trees as “Family Trees”. They immediately apologized to the Christian community and declared that a mistake had been made. Once common nativity scenes are now barred from public property. The familiar “Merry Christmas” is being replaced by the more generic “Happy Holidays”. Even the popular song quoted above has little connection to Jesus, but rather the good celebrations of this time of year. While our culture drives itself deeply into secularism, Christians are being asked to tone down all this talk of Jesus.
I would propose that any wonderful time during the year is only wonderful because of Jesus. All of the good things we enjoy in life come from God (James 1:17). There are blessings to be found throughout the calendar year. What makes any time wonderful is the presence of our heavenly Father! Still, it seems that some things happen during the Christmas season that do not happen at any other time. The beautiful decorations, the family gatherings, the lovely carols, and the generous spirit seem to be at their annual heights during this winter observance of the advent of Jesus.
It is a hard time of year for some. Memories are strong during these shorter days and longer evenings. Let us make this a wonderful time of the year for each other, as we share the love of Christ with those around us. – John Dobbs
