"The Gift of God's Love"

Well folks…Christmas is upon us. Can you believe it? Is it just me or does it feel like each passing year goes by more quickly!?

Stores line their aisles with Christmas goodies and décor right after Labor Day! Now that we are getting closer to Christmas, TV shows have switched to the theme of giving and love, and Santas are starting to float about.

Yet, the very first Christmas seemed to do without any of these things. The very first Christmas somehow started a frenzy without the power of TV, without Candy Canes, without Santa, and without Christmas sales. Even more amazingly, the very first Christmas involved a poor couple, nobodies, who would lay the most precious child of all in a manger.

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:13-14

Looking back, I am reminded how far we have come from the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas wasn't just about giving or feeling loved, but it was about true love. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ, the Savior who came into this world to die... for everyone, even those who killed him. Jesus was God's gift not to the deserving, not to the Jews, but to everyone.

Today, let us remember the true meaning of Christmas...Peace on Earth, Good will toward Men, for the Savior has come to show us how to love, and to give us the greatest gift of love. Instead of buying fancy toys, think of how you can give to those who would normally go without. Ask yourself how you can help others who are not as fortunate as you. Show them the true meaning of Christmas, the gift of God's love, and love others as God first loved you.

Merry Christmas & Many Blessings!