Christmas gives the world a softer glow – the lights, the music, the giving, the sense of family and the atmosphere of kindness. It is as if the weight of the world is lifted, even if for just a moment.

As a boy, I remember decorating the tree with my sister, arguing over who gets to hang what ornament, untangling lights, climbing the ladder, and watching as the tree stood in its finished product. There is nothing more beautiful than the first look at the newly decorated tree. The smell of cookies seemed to linger in our kitchen even after my mom had finished cooking them. Even now, my mouth waters just thinking of it. Christmas cards were a huge deal when I was growing up. My mom labored over addressing the envelopes and finding the perfect Christmas stamp. My dad made sure we were aware the day was all about Jesus’ Birthday – a child born to be the Savior of the world. For a little boy, I did not fully grasp the significance of the day. To me, He was the figurine in the manger between Mary and Joseph. And while there is nothing like the magic of Christmas for a child, as an adult, I realize there is nothing more important to our lives than Christmas.

What should Christmas mean to you and to me?

It’s a celebration of really good news. The angels, in their opening words to the shepherds in Bethlehem, told us of the excitement in Luke 2:10, “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” I love the words “all people.” Not just some – all. But even more important are the words, “I bring to YOU” – ahhhh – its personal. It is news for you and for me. I love that because it tells me how God thought of me and He thought of you when He sent His Son to us.

And then, it’s GOOD news. It does not matter who you are; where you live; what you’ve done; who you know; or even where you are going – this GOOD news is for you.

God so loved us, that He came, so that we could be with Him forever. So, what should Christmas mean to you and to me?

God loves us! God is with us! And God is ours!

Celebrate the Season for the good news it brings.