Celebrate the true Christmas spirit this year

Commentary by Richard Froese

Christmas is less than five weeks away – a time to celebrate with family and friends in our homes, churches, schools, and communities. This is the time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and what He offers each of us – eternal life, faith, hope, love, forgiveness, and peace. Jesus is the reason for the season – and reflecting on all that He provides us for an abundant and eternal life. Christmas is also a time to celebrate our own lives and all the blessings we have accumulated in our own lives, families, and communities – here in northern Alberta, Canada, and North America and share it with others. Give generously to Christmas food hampers in your community and help your neighbours and friends and others less fortunate. Your gift of love will likely be appreciated more from someone less fortunate than by those of us who already have what we have abundantly. Take the time to celebrate the true reason for the season. Year after year, Christmas after Christmas, we may seem to just go through the motions of Christmas, with all the school and choir concerts, church services, community festivities, parties, and shopping, shopping, shopping. Christmas is more about giving than shopping. Shopping more reflects more on our materialistic society. It seems that gifts received from people who actually created that gift have more of a special meaning. Giving is about loving and thanking. But do we really take the time to deeply reflect on the true meaning and significance of what we are celebrating? What a better place to start than with reading the Christmas story in the Bible – Luke 2:1 – 21; Matthew 1:18 – 2: 15; and Isaiah 9:6. Jesus Christ – His Name – is Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, Everlasting Father, the Saviour of the world, He is the leader and guide of all governments. Why not read it right from the source and get a real account of what Christmas is really all about. Churches in your community invite residents and visitors to celebrate the real reason for the season during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services and masses. Local churches extend the invitation to everyone to celebrate Christmas and fellowship with people of the regional community to enjoy music and hear the message about the birth of Jesus Christ – the Saviour of the world. Watch your local community newspaper to find out what special celebrations are taking place in your community. In this time of giving, loving, and spending quality time with family and friends, Christmas offers opportunities to share with one another that Jesus Christ in the greatest gift, not only at Christmas, but He truly is the gift that keeps on giving throughout the year.

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