It's Christmas!
It's finally here - the day to celebrate.
As we have prepared for this day, many of us had time to reflect on the joy of the birth of Jesus Christ. We've embraced the Christmas season and have felt closer to our Savior.
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At the same time, some of us may have been subject to Charlie Brown syndrome - commercialism.
It's difficult not to get lost in this season - one of great celebration, and great expectations, if you lose sight of the reason.
Hit from a hundred different angles we feel compelled to show our family and friends that we care.
We've hit the mall and credit cards and stuffed the stocking. We've made sure Aunt Edna got in from the airport, that the turkey and ham are prepared and that little Billy went to sleep before Santa's arrival.
Now is a time to reflect on how Jesus may have shown his love on this great day. We must challenge ourselves to share that kind of great love with our family and friends this day.
As we bustle about today enjoying the wonderful joys of Christmas, let's remember the most important reason to celebrate - the birth of Christ.
May the words of the carol "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," written by Charles Wesley in 1739, warm your heart with the true meaning of Christmas and bring you joy during this wonderful day.
Hark! the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"
Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"
Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"