Christmas Reflection

We are well into the Advent season waiting for Christmas. I bet everyone is racing around trying to get things done; shopping, wrapping, baking cookies and decorating the home for the "ultimate" Christmas party. True, we are excited about Christmas but do we really know what Christmas is all about?

I am sure you are all familiar with Charlie Brown Christmas Classic where Linus gets up on stage and explains to everyone what the true meaning of Christmas. If not let me remind you what he had said,

"And there were in the same country shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them! And they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, “Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings o great joy, which shall be to all my people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ, the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying 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, and good will toward men."

Christmas is really about the birth of Christ Jesus. It's about him. It's not about buying expensive cars with a giant red ribbon on it. It's not about dropping $1,000 on a pair of real nice speakers to stream your music. It's not about dishing out a couple hundred dollars on clothes or pushing the person next to you so you can get a good "deal" on a doorbuster. Christmas is about spending time with people you love. Christmas should be about giving your time to help others out or donate to an organization that is in need. Christmas is about telling stories and remembering the past.

I bet you are rolling your eyes thinking, "Well I already know that." I'm sure you do but it's nice to be reminded and nice to refelct on things that are important because in today's world; we tend to forget those things. I am guilty of it too.

Last night I had helped my mother put up our Christmas. It looks so beautiful. I'm not just saying that because I helped decorate it and I feel like I am the next Martha Stewart; I'm saying it is beautiful because it has so much history. Every ornament has a story behind it. My mom and I were hanging the ornaments up and each ornament came alive after she told me a little story about it. This is what Christmas is really about. Sharing moments like this with someone you love. We are always rushing around worrying about anything and everything.

Take time for yourself during this holiday season. Spend time with your loved ones and share memories of the past.

One last thing that is important to do during this holiday season which should not only be limited only to this time of year but year round. Giving back to our community or donating money to an organization that speaks to us. There are so many organizations that you can donate to or give your time to.

Think about how you will spend this holiday season. Think about how you can make a difference in your community or to an individual that needs your help. Spend time and slow down and enjoy moments with your loved ones. Log off social media and log into your current "real" life. I hope you all have a very happy and healthy holiday season.