Make this the ‘Best Christmas Ever’

O Holy Night! That most special night is rapidly approaching.

After a year of more COVID and continual cancellations and delays, it still rushes upon us. Even with less political and social upheaval, it has been a difficult year for many.

This month, at Salem Friends, we focused on making this “The Best Christmas Ever” (Sermon Central.com). That phrase might sound trite and overused but like so many things in our life it serves as a reminder.

We began Advent with the candle of “Hope” asking ourselves to define hope, think about what we allow to steal our hope and ponder when will we put our hope in Jesus instead of circumstances around us? We also asked that God show us the light in our own darkness and teach us to share His hope with those who have no hope.

The second Sunday, the advent candle was “Peace” and we again had questions. Why does peace seem so elusive? Why do we often find ourselves quarreling with those we love during this season of “peace?” Do we see that baby Jesus came to give us peace?

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;

And the government will rest on His shoulders;

And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. — Isaiah 9:6

Many of you have sung these words in the classic “Messiah” cantata but do we embrace them and live their truth in our lives? Jesus tells the disciples, “in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

This is not the peace the world offers but the deep abiding peace that comes from a personal relationship with Christ. What changes do you need to make in your life to have that peace thorough Christ? What better time than Christmas to give your heart that peace in Christ?

Advent continued with the candles of “Joy” and “Love.” Joy came to the world because of the Savior and He is the only one who can give us deep abiding joy.

“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” — Peter 1:8

This season may you find the answer to joy everlasting and as C.S. Lewis said, “I know now, Lord, why you utter no answer. You yourself are the answer.”

Something in the Christmas season draws out the best, the love, in most of us. We are more giving in this season.

How do we share the love we feel in this season with others? It is a love that can best be shared if we have Christ in our lives.

Make this your “Best Christmas Ever” by placing Christ in your life and living for Him. May you experience hope, peace, joy and love not just this season but all year through as you make each day a holy one with Christ walking with you. Blessings one and all …