There’s trees, presents, food, music, and decorations. All these come to mind when Christmas comes around, but the most important part often isn’t the first thing that comes to mind: Jesus. At the very center of the holiday, the main reason for the celebration is the birth of Jesus.
I celebrate His birth not because He was born, but because of the promise He brings. He represents a new covenant with God, where His life is given for my salvation. It is an amazing gift that He gives. With all the gift giving at Christmas time, I think it is important to take time to remember to be thankful for the gift we have been given.
When I was a child, after all my presents were opened, I remember always taking the time to stop and say aloud, “Happy Birthday, Jesus!”. Now that I am older, my Christmas prayer is different: Thank You, my dear Lord, for giving my such a blessed life and for walking with me along my path and for guiding me. Thank You for the love You have given me even though I don’t deserve it. Most of all thank You for my life and for saving it with the sacrifice of Your only Son. I’ll never be able to understand all You have given me, but I want to thank You for all You have done, for the love You have given, and all the blessing You have bestowed upon me and my loved ones.
Today more than anything else, my heart is filled with love and gratitude.
My faith saved me. May God’s peace reside in all of our hearts.
