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.