The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Atmosphere as defined by dictionary.com: a surrounding or pervading mood, environment, or influence. The most wonderful time of the year is now upon us, and you all are probably traveling somewhere, or family is coming to your house. What an exciting time to be with the people you love most! While family is a vital part of the Christmas season, sometimes we can take for granted what this holiday is really all about. Think about your everyday life for a second... what is the surrounding or pervading mood, environment or influence that really makes or could make your Christmas season a spectacular one? One might say, the decorations, the presents from Santa, Christmas tree, caroling, the cheer, the food, football games, basketball games... but really, what is the big deal surrounding all the hype? What is the meaning of all this? In reality there is no meaning of all this. Now, I'm not saying I don't love all the hype surrounding Christmas, because I do! However, there is something that is way more powerful and stronger that really gives this holiday the excitement. The reason for the season as most of us know is the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Going to church on Christmas Eve is a tradition that has been held by my family for as long as I can remember. The atmosphere in the church is full of liveliness, cheer, joy, and happiness. Greetings of "Merry Christmas" and shaking hands come from all at the start of mass. Christmas songs sang throughout the Mass lift the hopes and spirits of all. The readings really bring out an image of the spirit of Christmas. The reading I love hearing year after year comes from Luke 2:8-20: 

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

As we are listening to Christmas songs, going to church, spending time with family, we enjoy the high spirits all around us.  As we open our presents from our loved ones, just think, we have the greatest gift given to us each year as we celebrate and praise God for the birth of His son, and our Lord and Savior, Jesus. It is the our Lord that is the gift that keeps on giving, every year, every month, every day, every hour, every minute and every second of our lives. We truly all have something grateful to be praising this and every Christmas season, and every day!

Christmas...throughout this joyful time of the year, may your families enjoy the company of each other, the food, the fun, and the happiness of one another. Safe travels and as Santa Claus always says, Merry Christmas to all and too all a good night!