Christmas Spirit

Dear Friends,

Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men!

This message from the angels characterizes the “spirit of Christmas.” It’s everywhere and it’s wonderful, as if the angels are still singing.

I don’t remember a lot of Christmas decorations in my household growing up; but I do remember three ceramic blocks that were put on the mantle each season. Three blocks, three words, “Peace, Joy, Love.” I remember moving them around, changing the order, stacking them, and watching my older sisters patiently putting them back in place. These three words have universal acceptance around the world – even when there is no mention of Jesus; Peace, Joy, Love.

These three words that capture the world at Christmastime are, interestingly, the first three “fruits of the Spirit” identified in Galatians 5:22! In a sense, God gives them twice, once at the birth of Jesus as sung by the angels, and again though the power of the Holy Spirit.

Here is the point. Christ didn’t bring these gifts at his birth just to brighten our Decembers; but to transform lives – so that peace, joy, and love are systemic, not just seasonal. God’s greatest gift, the Christ child, demands a response, “What can we give back?” We have an answer in Matthew 25:40, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did it for me.”

My challenge to you is to embrace the wonderful spirit of Christmas – and extend it all year long. Feel the peace that passes understanding, celebrate the joy, and bask in the love of God. Be transformed! Then, prompted by the Spirit, be an instrument of peace, spread the joy, and love.