The songs of the season and the retelling of all the Christmas stories of past are reflector lights guiding us with their principles and lessons. Please humor me as I highlight the emphasis of just a few.

The Grinch, in just a few phrases, taught us that the spirit of Christmas is so much more than gifts. “How could it be so? It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes or bags… Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store… Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more!” Oh, the brilliance of those words calling from the past!

“Fall on your knees; O hear the Angel voices!” beckons us to reverence and awe of Immanuel --- God with us! When do we allow ourselves the opportunity to claim this holy space of adoration for the one and only eternal gift?

How can we ignore that Santa’s eyes twinkled with merriment the Night Before Christmas as he bestowed presents with such a giving heart. How it stands in stark contrast to our hustle and bustle to find the right gifts that will soon be forgotten. We discover a call to the simple act of giving without expectation.

Joy to the World reminds us to repeat the sounding voice of joy and thankfulness. Joy comes even in the midst of chaos, hurt and disappointment if we have eyes to see. Think of celebrating its presence with gusto as Clark Griswold did --- “JOY TO THE WORLD”. And then await the glorious response of HOPE!

Rudolph the Reindeer reminds us of the importance of being kind, treating others the way we would like to be treated. Why? Because those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

“Jingle Bells, Jingle bells, Jingle all the way”. Music, song and dance create pure joy and fun in my life. Recently, I confessed that when my desire for music wanes, I know the enemy is at work. To which my daughter promptly replied, “So basically you are saying when your life isn’t a musical, the enemy is attacking”. Yep, pretty much!

And who can forget Tiny Tim in Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol, who valiantly proclaimed, “God bless us, every one!” Christ did come for ALL! Each of us has to be willing to open the gift freely given, but it is for each of us. There it is nestled under your tree with your name on it. Go ahead and open it!

The Gift of the Magi reflects the spirit of selfless giving through self-sacrifice. How could it be that they experienced such joy and thankfulness when they could no longer use their gifts? Could it be they understood and embraced the authentic spirit and meaning of the season?

“Silent Night! Holy Night! All is calm, and all is bright!” The blessed ramifications of seeking the sacred are so evident. Your soul cannot afford not to create this space. For connection with your Creator and Savior is paramount to everything else in your life.

And Linus from a Peanuts Christmas reminds all of us of the reason we celebrate the season:

“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 good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, 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, good will toward men.” (taken from Luke 2:8-14)

And then Linus turns and says, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown”.

Christmas should never ever lose its Message of Good News to all who have ears to hear and a willingness to accept this free gift!

Merry Christmas!