That Christmas Feeling

When the angels appeared to the shepherds that night, so long ago on the hills outside of Bethlehem, they sang the song: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:14 It was a song of blessing to all of us. Because the Saviour was born, we can have peace and at Christmas time especially, many of us do have softer feelings towards those who have wronged us or hurt us. We have a feeling of peace that settles over us and the thoughts of fighting and strife seem to melt away. I like to call that the Christmas feeling.

The Christmas feeling usually comes on you after the hustle and bustle of the preparations are over. The baking and cleaning are done, the presents delivered, the stores are closed and we can settle back and actually enjoy Christmas. Thoughts of peace come into our heart. Thoughts of good will towards others. It is exactly that feeling that I pray you will carry with you all year long. That Christmas feeling doesn't have to be for just one day, we can have that same kind of peace every day.

Think of all the things that you do only at Christmas time and plan to continue some of them in the new year. I know that many people only visit others at Christmas time, but a visit from a friend is always a welcome thing at any time of year. Some people only give gifts at Christmas time, but a gift of friendship is something you can extend all year. Some only go to church on Christmas but God would like to see you faithful every Sunday.

At Christmas time, we let offenses slide. We are quicker to bite our tongue rather to say something hurtful. That's a gift we can give others all through the year. We tend to strive for peace at Christmas, so we have a 'good Christmas', when our families would all benefit if we practiced doing this all the time. So let me encourage you to have that Christmas feeling always. Just imagine how your life would change if you treated every day as Christmas!

2 Corinthians 13:11-13

However, when it has all been said and done, finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order. Listen to my appeal. Encourage one another. Agree with one another. Live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.