It's that time of year again. The "most wonderful time of the year" is upon us. What makes this time so wonderful? Is it the gifts under the tree? The candy in our stockings? The decorations around the house and down every street? The abundance of food that fills our tables while surrounded by family and friends? Everyone always shouts out "Merry Christmas!"....but do they even know what this time is truly all about?

Some may think that Christmas is a time of sorrow. Family members may not be able to afford the presents they believe their love ones deserve. A father may not be able to buy his son the new Xbox and may think he's not good enough. Or a mother may not be able to afford the hottest trends and styles for her daughter that "all" of her friends have. As sad as this is, it is how a lot of people view this time of year. Christmas is about giving, of course, but it is not about giving material things.

Luke 2: 10-11 reads:

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Jesus Christ was born on this day to give us the greatest gift of all...forgiveness. We are all sinners, even though sometimes we don't want to admit it. God sent his son on this day so he could die for all of our sins later on.

1 John 1:9 reads:

"But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong."

If that is not the best present you could possibly ask for, I'm not sure I know what is. Don't get me wrong, gift giving is a wonderful concept and does show that you care about someone. People from all over brought Jesus gifts when he was born on this day. However, today's society ambushes people to believe that this is the ENTIRE meaning of the holiday, hence the whole concept of "Black Friday" and holiday deals. This saddens me because people are so worried about material things. They always ask each other: "What did you get for Christmas?" and "What do you want me to get you this year?" People don't realize that we all get the same thing for Christmas year after year, and every other day of the year for that matter.

Although it is not wrapped with a big shiny bow under the tree on Christmas morning, God's love for us all is the best present that one could receive. So, do not worry if you can't provide your love ones with the new iPhone 7, "Yeezy's," or the newest gaming device this holiday season because no material item can surpass the gift of God's love for us all.

Look at Christmas in a new way this year, and remember that Jesus is always the "reason for the season!" May this season, and every other, bring you joy and peace. Merry Christmas!