I remember as a child, how magical Christmas was. We were always so excited as we counted down the days to Christmas. It seemed like it took forever as the days went by so slowly. On Christmas Eve we were so excited that we could hardly sleep. Then came the rush of Christmas morning. We were not allowed to leave our room until our parents were in the living room. Once we were given permission we would run and see what was waiting for us from Santa. There was so much excitement in the air. That entire day was spent with our new gifts and the candy and nuts that we received. One Christmas when I was about eleven years old, I got a new bicycle. My uncle encouraged me and helped me fix my older bicycle up and took it to a little boy in our town that we knew would not have anything for Christmas. We went and delivered it to him that Christmas and he was so excited. I was more excited about his gift than I was about mine. I learned that it truly is more of a blessing to give than to receive. That was the Magic of Christmas that year.
As a Father, Christmas was just as magical. The time passed much faster. It was always a rush in getting the gifts purchased and then on Christmas Eve, after the kids were sound asleep, the assembly started. On Christmas day, the magic was in the eyes of the children as they came down to see what Santa had left. It gave me great joy to see the kids spending hours getting acquainted with their new toys, clothes, and of course, eating candy.
Now as a Grandfather the magic really comes alive through the eyes of my grandchildren and my children as they celebrate the magic of Christmas.
The true magic of Christmas each year is when we read the Christmas Story. “The True Meaning of Christmas”. This story is found in Luke chapter 2. This is the account of the birth of the Christ Child. The coming of the shepherds and the wisemen with their gifts as they received the news about His birth. This is the True Magic of Christmas because God sent His son to the earth to be the way of salvation for all who receive Him.
This Christmas, wherever you are, and whatever your situation, take a few minutes to turn to the Bible and read about the true magic of Christmas.
Pastor Dan