Rough Patch

It's that time again. That time of year where we begin to see Christmas lights being put up, Christmas music playing faintly in our local malls or grocery stores, Christmas decorations usually take over around this time of year. Everywhere you look you'll see Santa or one of his little helpers, a Christmas tree shining boldly through a neighbor's window that lights up the night, oh yes, and of course, we can't leave out the familiar bell ringer you'll see outside of almost every store ringing away with their rosy cheeks and gloves on.  It's that time of year where everything is jolly and bright. Right? Wrong. Unfortunately, for some, Christmas isn't so jolly or bright. Some may have lost loved ones, are widowed or poor. Some may live in a orphanage or may not be living anywhere at all. Some may be on their death bed about to exhale their very last breath. Some may have never even heard of Christmas. Some may not even be able to hear.

Christmas is my favorite holiday you know why? Well, it's because it's the only time of year where Christ is glorified the most. (With the exception of Easter of course). At least in Christian circles this can only be true. Because we all know who is praised on Christmas. Santa of course! Who else? I mean after all, he really does know when you are being naughty or nice. So you better get your act together now! You wouldn't want to get coals in your stalking now would you? No! Oh dear, could you imagine? That would just be awful! --Really?? Oh Heavenly Father forgive us! Our focus has gotten so off of where it should be! Dear readers, you wouldn't even be able to say the word Christmas without Christ! Ever noticed that? "CHRISTmas." --It's in their for a reason. Jesus Christ IS the real reason for the season! If I was wrong then, "Christmas" would be known as, "Santamas", but this simply isn't the case.

One of my favorite verses to reflect on at Christmas time is Isaiah 9:6 which says, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." 

Dear readers, our only appropriate response this holiday season is to give all the honor, glory, and praise to Christ. To acknowledge the, "CHRIST" in, "Christmas." Whoever you are and wherever you may be; whatever Christmas means to you; whether your spending it alone and sick in a hospital room and feel like your miles away from hope, whether your spending it with your spouse and family but wished your children were still alive to decorate the Christmas tree like they used to, whether your out on the front lines covered in camo celebrating Christmas with family over Skype and a bag of MRE, whether you feel alone and are isolated in a prison cell waiting to die, or whether your wishing your spouse was their next to you holding your hand...

CHRISTmas will find you.