Comerciamas...wait, what?

As the Christmas season draws near, the world will throw itself into advertising, shopping, and stressing about what to get that special someone. But as I look around, I don't see many people celebrating Christmas for the reason the Holiday was made. Christ-mas. We have forgotten why we buy gifts, hang lights, and put up trees. We have forgotten, as we put presents under the tree and in the stockings, the very best gift of all. Jesus! As Charlie Brown cried out in anguish: "Can anyone tell me what Christmas is all about?!" Linus gave the best answer to that question the world has ever known. He didn't tell Charlie Brown that it was about the gifts, or about Santa Clause, or that he needed counseling. He told Charlie Brown:

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." ~Luke 2:8-14

Let's remember to keep the reason for the season at the center of our activities this Christmas.