The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Thanksgiving has passed, and we’re in the Christmas season! Now, nobody can passive-aggressively state their opinions on when is the right time to Christmas music or put up your tree, because ‘tis officially the season to be jolly. 

I truly believe that this is the most wonderful time of the year. I know that sounds cliche and that there’s a whole song with this title that you’ve probably already heard dozens of times this year, but I believe it to be true. 

There’s just something about this time of year. Shopping doesn’t seem like as much of a chore because there are toys, decorations, and goodies out on display. People are in a more cheerful mood. The pitch-black night sky is pierced by colorful lights and inflatables that adorn homes and businesses at every corner you turn. 

But the primary reason Christmas is the most wonderful time of year is because of what Christmas is: the coming of Christ. This time of year, businesses, schools, and families pause their lives to remember the night over 2,000 years ago when God became man. We celebrate when Jesus was born of a virgin in a lowly manger. We recount how He entered this world humbly as a lowly baby. 

During these next 20 or so days, you will see manger scenes in parades and in storefronts. You will hear secular music artists who do not profess to be Christian sing songs of praise to the glory of Christ. Even if you are not a Christian, you will most likely give or receive gifts and celebrate Christmas in some form. This time of year, it seems the entire world pauses to honor Jesus. 

So this Christmas season, I want to encourage you – as I myself have been convicted to do lately – to make the most of these unique opportunities. Unfortunately, at Easter, radio stations don’t stop playing classic rock or country to air hymns. But they do at Christmastime! In this season, it seems that we have more opportunities to openly share the gospel story with others. So let’s take advantage of this. Remember that this season is ultimately not about giving gifts, eating food, or even spending time with family. It is about “the love of God [being] made manifest among us, [in] that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9). 

Remember what the angels told the shepherds at the news of Jesus’ birth: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). Christmas is good news of great joy for all people. Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved. How are you sharing that truth this Christmas season?