Celebrate!

They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. Psalm 145:7 (NIV)

I was on a walk one day when a familiar aroma stopped me. I sniffed a bit before it hit me: it smelled like my Grandma's house at Christmastime! I closed my eyes and remembered many years of opening presents and Christmas traditions, none of which actually had anything to do with the birth of Jesus. My grandparents are still as yet unsaved, as is most of that side of my family. I still have positive memories and the smell I was savoring brought me back there. I opened my eyes, though, and realized what I was walking past: the little bar in our town! My grandparents, aunts and uncles were also all smokers. So, the mixture of smoke, food and a bit of beer was what I actually smelled! I guess there is no place like Grandma's!

Our Christmas traditions have now changed, but the cause for celebration has not. The verse above, from Psalms reminds me of Christmas. We are to rejoice and celebrate all that God has given us, most importantly, Jesus. We are to sing of His righteousness! What other holiday has so many songs associated with it. Christmas is the birthday party for everyone, for it marks the point in history when we could truly become sons and daughters of the Father in a unique and personal way. We can have the indwelling of the Spirit, thanks to the sacrifice that Christ would eventually make for us. We can start fresh, for the New Year is right around the corner, full of hope for transformation, both personal and as a body of believers. Christ's birth gives us no reason to be saddened, but once again renews are spirits with expectation and the promises of God to come. Take time this Christmas to remember what God has given you, and let that fuel your hope for the year to come.

God, thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus. Remind us to celebrate with glad hearts His birth this season. Help us also to touch those around us with Your love who haven't yet experienced it. Amen.

Nikki Hamsher