Jesus is the Reason for the Season

New York, NY… JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON! We hear these words a lot during this time of the year and see them printed on holiday greeting cards. In fact, Kirk Franklin wrote “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” for his family Christmas album, released in November 1995. Young Rapper ArrDee Davies (Riley Davies) said, “It’s not Christmas without Jesus. As Kirk said, ‘Santa Claus ain’t got nothin’ on this!’”

A few years ago, a TV news commentator asked U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg if Christmas was in danger of being canceled. Apparently, this was a burning question on inquiring minds and was premised upon the fact that a global pandemic had caused global supply-chain issues. Secretary Buttigieg answered that he didn’t think Christmas would be canceled, as most of the supply chain issues had been resolved. THANK GOD!

What immediately grabbed my attention was the fact that this was what was on the minds of inquiring viewers and the notion that Christmas could be “canceled” under any circumstances. And, further, what did this say about us? Had Christmas become so commercialized that it could be canceled because of supply chain issues? Does it mean that because shipping and handling issues might delay the delivery of Christmas gifts, there would be no Christmas? Had Christmas become synonymously linked to “gifts and toys” such that the failure to receive the same rendered Christmas meaningless? Had people truly lost sight of what Christmas means? Was Christmas the latest victim of the cancel culture?

The sad reality is that for many, Christmas only means gifts and presents. This, unfortunately, is not a new phenomenon. Regrettably, for some, Christmas lost its significance a long time ago.

We should not, however, be distressed, dismayed, or discouraged. We must celebrate Christmas for what it truly means -- the birth of Jesus. It is God’s greatest gift to humanity. During the season of Advent, we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ at Christmas. The three Advent candle colors are purple, pink, and white, which represent the spiritual preparation that believers undergo to prepare their hearts for the birth (or coming) of the Lord Jesus Christ. The two purple candles represent the Prophets' Candle and the Bethlehem Candle. The pink candle (the Shepherd’s candle) presents joy. The white candle placed in the middle is called the “Christ Candle” and represents the life of Christ. The color white is for purity—because Christ is our sinless, pure Savior.

Jesus is the reason for the season because He is the ultimate gift to the world.

“Life is about knowing the God who made you and who gave you the greatest gift you will ever receive.” Greg Laurie - A New Beginning – Crosswalk.com

MERRY CHRISTMAS!