Christmas is here, but let's not forget what the season is all about. It's about JESUS. It's not about having the nicest toy or the fanciest clothes, so you can brag to your friends. Rather it is the inward sign of what a Christian is suppose to be.

The waiting of Advent is not to make us count down the days 'til Christmas. It is rather to make us stop and wonder at the little baby who was born in a stable.

This rather insignificant event is the utmost important. How often have you realized that Jesus became one of us? You probably would say, "Not that much." Yet, this is a problem. If we discover what Christmas means, we would open our hearts to the real reason of the season.

Yet, we get wrapped up in the secular meaning of Christmas. Putting up the lights, go to parties, singing carols, etc. We can get so wrapped up in the feeling of what it's supposed to be, rather than what it really is. When we decide to put away the tree and take down the lights, do you forget what had just occurred and think to yourself, "At least that's over with for another year."

There's the problem. You can't forget that it was just one day of the year, but rather to make you grow and change. Jesus didn't call us to just feel good about Christmas, but rather to celebrate each day we live.

When we were kids Christmas had a different meaning.
I can remember, as most of you can, when you were young. Oh, how I couldn't wait to open the presents. I would wake up Mom & Dad and announce that it was Christmas morning. I was so excited to see what Santa had gotten me that year. But as soon as the presents were opened, Christmas was over.

As we get older, and toys are replaced with more practical things, we lose focus. We then are told that Santa doesn't really exist. But yet there is a man who gives the ultimate gift that money can't buy.

At this point in my life, I have searched for a new meaning of Christmas. I seem to feel that once you get past all the commercialization of it, there is not much there.

Oh, but there is. Underneath all the trimmings is a little baby who begs for us to hold him in our arms and take him into our hearts.

Christmas at this stage takes on a more personal meaning. It is often the mood of tranquility. I could remember not even 5 years ago when the Holy Spirit descended on me and I felt a great inner peace. It only lasted 2 weeks, but how sweet it was!

There was nothing that stood in my way, and I knew that Jesus was the reason for the season. Even now I still that warm sense in my soul when I hear Christmas music.

That is what we need to discover. That feeling as a child; a sense of wonder and excitement which other people just don't understand.

What better present than to receive Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior? That would be the gift that tops all gifts, and ascends into eternity.