Forgive us our Christmases...

I heard a story the other day about a family that was stressing out over Christmas. There was this party and that party. Gifts to buy. People gave gifts, so they were upset that they HAD to return the gesture. The little 4 year old daughter knelt by her bed to say her prayers that night and said...."Jesus, forgive us our Christmases as we forgive others who Christmas against us". That statement really got to me. In this season most of all, especially with my job as a mail carrier, it's too easy to forget the real reason for Christmas. I'm so happy to be delivering Christmas packages to all of my customers and seeing their smiles AT FIRST. By the time the day actually gets here, I'm worn out by weather, stress, last minute details and all of the extra stuff that I put on myself at this time of year. We do Christmas big around here. I don't mean fancy, but I do mean big. So this year, in spite of all of the hustle and bustle of Christmas, I am determined to get things done early and keep CHRIST in Christmas. I am determined to remember the reason for the season and not let circumstances bog me down. I am going to strive to do as much as I can as early as I can, so that my family can enjoy their holiday and hopefully remember the reason that we do the Warrens Community Christmas meal, and also our own Christmas Eve open house. Christmas is about Jesus. He came to earth just for me (ok and for you too). My point is. I could feed people peanut butter sandwiches on Christmas Eve and we would still be together. We could have no gifts under the tree, but do we need them to have Christmas? No, the truth is Jesus is the only gift we need in this world. He came, was born in a stable, lived and loved and then died a horrible death. Knowing the whole while that it was me and my sin that put Him there and He still did it. He still came. What a wonder. I stand amazed at His love for me (and you) and truthfully that's all I need. Thank you Jesus for Your gift that night so long ago. and....forgive me my Christmases as I forgive those who Christmas against me.