The Christmas Spirit

Last year I was—uncharacteristically, if one goes by history—in the Christmas spirit all throughout the Christmas/New Year’s season. This year…well, I’m having a bit of a harder time capturing it, which leads us to the defining question—just what is the Christmas spirit? And once we have defined it…how does one get in it?

In the context of “Christmas spirit,” the word “spirit” is used to refer to one’s attitude, mood, or thought patterns associated with the Christmas season—and/or the holiday itself. Ironically, on this very holiday we celebrate the birth of the one who came to redeem our spirits—Jesus. So, technically, to have a “Christmas spirit” would indicate that our spirits have been reborn—and we have taken on the character and likeness of Jesus—which would seem to most assuredly put us in the right attitudinal groove, or “Christmas spirit.” But alas—as Christians, many of us are not.

Why is that? To me, the obvious answer is that we do not value Christ enough. He may be some things—or even most things—to us; but he isn’t our everything. The gift of an eternal relationship with Jesus is the most precious one we could ever receive. Yet, as a culture—Christians and non-Christians alike—we are focused on the next new semi-intelligent electronic device, spending a certain amount of money, buying “cool” gifts for the relatives who expect nothing less, and making sure that not only the shopping—but the decorating is done as well.

I’m grateful for decorations. I’m excited to buy things for my kids. I look forward to a large Christmas meal shared with family. But I must remember that it’s all pointless if I neglect the true reason for the celebration. To be in the Christmas spirit means to reflect Jesus’ heart in all we do—because without Him, Christmas is just another holiday.

This means:

• ·      loving our families unconditionally
• ·         reaching out to those who have little—or less than we do
• ·         thanking and praising Jesus that He came to earth as a small babe to save us…

so that we might experience, through His sacrifice of unmatched love, an eternal Christmas spirit—dwelling forever with the one whose birth means more than all the wrapping paper, gadgets, tinsel, and pumpkin pie in the world. He lives in us. This Christmas season, let us also determine to live in Him, allowing our spirits to truly be affected by the humble birth of our King—Jesus. For that is the Christmas spirit we need the most. May He be your everything this year.