How many times this Christmas season have you found yourself worrying about how many presents you still have left to buy, how the time is running out, and the preparations you still to need to make for gatherings of friends and family? With Christmas right around the corner, I have once again noticed the usual chaotic scene that comes with it. Everyone feels the pressure to buy the perfect gifts for family and friends, but when did Christmas become such a hassle? People put more thought into decorating their homes, buying presents, and preparing for Santa to come than they do remembering the true reason for the season. Christmas is not meant to be an event centered on who gave the better gift or who has the best-decorated house. Christmas is the time to spend with loved ones, reminisce on the past year, and look forward to what is coming. To slow down and think about ways we can be grateful, help others, and share love. Our society today is dominated by materialism and consumerism, and it’s time that we change that.

When walking into any store around Christmas, you are bound to see many people frantically searching the aisles for that perfect gift. What seems to be forgotten is that we have already received the ultimate gift. On Christmas day many, many years ago this world was blessed with the birth of Jesus Christ. Luke 2:10 says “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a savior which is Christ the Lord.” On this day in the little town of Bethlehem, all of mankind received the greatest gift that could ever be given. This gift wasn’t bought in a store, it wasn’t on sale, and the price for it was already payed. The wealthy, the poor, the young, and the old all received the same gift. Absolutely no one was deserving of such grace, but God sent each and everyone one of us the gift of eternal life. The only thing we have to do is accept it, and God leaves it up to us whether we want to receive it or not. What gift will you find that will ever be better than that? A toy, new shoes, or that thing you thought you couldn’t live without will never compare to God’s gift. We should encourage others to see Christmas in a new light this year. Christmas is about love, peace, and goodwill not about what lies under the tree.

This Christmas, instead of waiting anxiously to open our gifts, we should think of ways we can make a difference in someone’s life. Be there for that family in need, pray for healing for those who are sick, and most importantly share the news of the gift that everyone can receive. I believe that Christmas is a time when miracles can happen, just like the one that was born in a manger to the Virgin Mary. On December 25