I want to continue with some thoughts that further my devotion of December 18. I had them then but word limit tends to keep a restraint on me. And that’s good! 🙂

There is no doubt that Christmas is a unique time. While we (especially pastors) say, “Take some time to reflect on the birth of Jesus, etc during this holiday season,” the busyness belies that. No one has a handle on slowing down during this season, except for maybe the hermit in a remote cabin who has no cell phone, Amazon, or endless Hallmark movies. 🙂  According to Chuck Swindoll there are four dangers we must be aware of.

1. There is the doctrinal danger of substituting the temporal for the eternal. Let’s ask ourselves this: Why are we celebrating Christmas? Seriously. And please don’t flippantly give me the old “It’s Jesus’ birthday” answer. Seriously now, why?
2. There is the personal danger of impressing but not imparting. What does it say to others when we are just as frazzled as our friends and neighbors? Are we trying to impress others or share some love, joy, and peace…the real kind?
3. There is the economic danger of spending more than we have. I can hear Dave Ramsey now! I’m grateful for his material. And I’m grateful for my bank’s Christmas Club. I have only so much to spend. When it’s gone, it’s gone.
4. There is the psychological danger of getting built up for a letdown. I hate to admit it but a lot of Christmas is hype. What will we do when the “high” is over?

We offhandedly say, “Keep Christ in Christmas.” Let’s make it a reality, not a slick saying. “Father, help me to be a leader in celebrating Christmas. Not the hype but the beauty and passion of the Christmas story.”