if Christmas had wings, I'd bet it'd fly to San Francisco

Christmas does not fly. I've never seen one with wings. But whatever mode of transportation Christmas takes, they sure pass by quickly. I have found with each Christmas though, that as they pass they bring in more value. No longer is the holiday about the anticipation of gifts as perhaps it was when I was a child, but I find myself focusing on and appreciating the things of greater value like spending time with family and the true meaning of Christmas. Perhaps, you're convinced it's that I've grown out of childhood, and most every adult has this turning point. And perhaps you're right. But then again, I know many unhappy adults this time of year.

This year seemed especially meaningful. Perhaps it was because I travelled to another country where the celebration and understanding of Christmas is just blossoming and where the faith of Christians is challenged by the government and society every day. Perhaps my grandparents' declining health has made time with them seem more valuable. Or maybe it's because I no longer seek out getting and opening the right gift for Christmas, but cherish the true gift and reason for the celebration.

It's easy to fall into the rut of getting tired of long lines at retailers, crazy traffic in the parking lot, stress of how you will pay for all the gifts and not forgetting anyone, and all the negatives that this season can entail. But maybe every time you begin to focus on the irritants that come with the celebration, instead focus on the true reason...easier said than done, perhaps, but try this. I have found this year that the more I talk about the birth of Christ our Savior, what it means to me, and the potential joy it can have to everyone around me, I become overfilled with joy and everything else begins to seem less important (and thus, less stressful). ...and this result is only logical, because everything else is less important. We have a huge celebration for this very reason--the birth of the Almighty Savior and the resurrection it led to is most important. Check out Luke 2 that tells of a virgin giving birth to a God who became man....try and tell me that's not more important than stockings and shopping, music and mayhem...you can't.

So it's the end of Christmas day, 2010, but don't let that discourage you. The celebration of such a gift should be year round. And as I addressed earlier, Christmas doesn't fly, but it will be back soon again Lord willing. Take a second to think about this...and then take a few more.

Merry Christmas to one and all.