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Why I Love Christmas

It's so much more than sparkling lights and presents under the tree.

Rachel West

Dec 24, 2016

UNC Charlotte

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Christmas is my favorite time of year. There's just something in the air as the sparkling lights adorn houses and yards, we drink hot chocolate while watching Christmas movies, and we make or buy gifts for loved ones. But somehow, many of us find ourselves fighting to remember what Christmas really means. One of my favorite parts of Christmas is picking out gifts to give to friends and family because I like putting thought into making them feel happy and appreciated. But how many people know what this symbolizes during the Christmas season?

Over 2,000 years ago, humanity received the best Christmas gift of all: God came to Earth in the form of a human. Our savior, Emmanuel, was birthed by a virgin mother to grow up experiencing "normal" life on Earth, heal the sick, love the unlovable, minister and ultimately die for every single one of us. Because of Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity not only to spend forever in Heaven after we pass away, but to live an abundant life now. This life is a gift, and it comes from the ultimate gift himself, Jesus.

When we give presents to one another, they symbolize the gift that God gave humanity over 2,000 years ago. Just as we love seeing our friends and family happy, God loves to see us happy. We were created to find true joy in Him, and until we do, nothing and no one else can satisfy us. I love Christmas because it's a special reminder of this new life I have in Jesus. God loves giving us new beginnings. Nothing in our past, present or future is ever "too much" for God and his grace.

As we get closer to Christmas and to the New Year, know that there is a new beginning awaiting you. And once it starts, it will never end! We are promised that God will never abandon us. Just look at Deuteronomy 31:6: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." No matter where you go, God will always go with you. The joy He gives is better than any Christmas cheer apart from Him. And his son, Jesus Christ, is the greatest Christmas miracle of all.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Why I Love Christmas

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Subscribe to our Newsletter

There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

1. You get excited when the parents purchase season passes to the pool.

2. You've become friends with the stay-at-home moms in town.

3. You get a chance to eat "kid foods" again.

4. You've traded in your cute purse for a large tote bag.

5. You have at least one car seat in your backseat.

6. Their nap time is your happy time.

7. Lunch time can be a disaster.

8. You have to play the same board games repeatedly.

9. You catch yourself using the same lines your parents once told you.

10. Your "mom-mode" kicks in at times.

11. Your heart melts a little when they do something cute.

You'll never find any souvenirs with your name on it

1. You know you are up next when the teacher pauses while taking attendance

2. When “I’m going to do my very best to make sure I know all your names” is said, it may or may be an empty promise

3. “Wow! That sounds so cool! Where is your family from?”

4. You dread when people ask you to repeat your name over and over because it “sounds so cool when you say it”

5. There’s a 50/50 chance that your name will come back either correct or incorrect at Starbucks

6. People try to find shorter, easier nicknames for you instead of calling you by your actual name

7. When someone famous or fictional character shares your name, you get so happy

8. “What’s your name?” “It’s [name]” “I’m sorry, what was it again?”

9. You’ve pretty much seen every misspelling and heard every mispronunciation of your name throughout your life

10. When you find another person with an “ethnic” sounding name, you both get excited

11. Despite the struggles, your name is pretty unique… just like you

Can I be excused for the rest of my life?

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1. “Oh, so you/your family are immigrants!”

2. “Is Puerto Rico near Mexico?”

3. “Do you speak Puerto Rican?”

4. “You look too light/dark to be Puerto Rican.”

5. “Do I need my passport to go to Puerto Rico?”

6. “Geez, you are obsessed with your flag. We get it, you’re Puerto Rican.”

7. “Why are you so loud?”

8. “So does your family know English?”

9. “Oh my god, Puerto Ricans are so spicy.”

10. “So did you eat a lot of tacos?”

11. “Are you Mexican?”

Love hard, every day, and never be ashamed.

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