Countdown to Christmas

Sleigh bells ring are you listening…, Come on ring those bells…, Santa Claus is coming to town, Away in a manger no crib for a bed…,

As I write it is only 18 days, 3 hours, 46 minutes, and 6 seconds left until Christmas! The sounds of Christmas carols can be heard ringing over the airwaves on the radio and in most of the stores that you go in to. Christmas lights have began to go up, in homes decorations have been pulled out of storage in anticipation of decorating Christmas trees, in fact some have already been decorated. Yes, the hustle and bustle and overall busyness that seems synonymous with the season has already begun.

I’m sure all of you have an idea in your mind of what would make the perfect Christmas. Maybe it’s a special item you’ve had your eye on for a while and you have your fingers crossed that it will be under the tree on Christmas morning. Or, maybe it’s a family member or friend you’re hoping to see. In your mind if this special wish came true your Christmas would be perfect! Some of you on the other hand may already feel the depression that sometimes comes with the Christmas season. This may be your first Christmas without someone you cared about or maybe you’re in financial difficulty and you don’t see any hopes of having what you consider a great Christmas…

Whatever group you fit in, I have a question I would like to ask in the plaintive words of Charlie Brown, Isn’t there anybody who knows what Christmas is all about? (A Charlie Brown Christmas)

This seems like such a no brainer, a question that is asked every year. Unfortunately though, from year to year many of us still forget what Christmas is all about. So I would like to ask you to just take a step back from what you think the perfect Christmas should be and remember what Christmas is all about.

10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:10-14 KJV)

The above verses are from my favorite account of the Christmas story. They express beautifully the real meaning of Christmas. It all began with a gift, God’s perfect gift to the world, His son Jesus Christ. He is truly the gift that keeps on giving.

My prayer for all of us this Christmas, whatever our circumstance, is that we would allow the joy of the Lord to bubble up within us. Also, that His peace will be with us as we enjoy this season which is a testimony of just how much He loves us.


This is actually a rewrite of an article I wrote for Girl Talk and was also published over at Laced With Grace two years ago.