It is mid September and I heard it for the first time this year. Christmas is coming. As a Christian I rejoice in the remembrance of the birth of Jesus in the stable behind the inn in Jerusalem. It reminds me of the peace God came in human flesh to bring. Not the peace from human conflict but the peace of knowing my sins are forgiven and the conflict between God and I is finished. Remembering His birth allows me to remember his death. He came with a purpose. To die on the cross and shed His blood as the atonement for my sins was what He came to do. I rejoice in a love that was willing to do that for me. It is a season of great joy since He has changed me.
Christmas is also a secular holiday. It is almost here. It is a time when marketing is at its peak. Christmas is a season not a day. A season upon which rests the economic hopes of many companies and organizations. Over six hundred billion dollars are spent during this short season and for many it is the time of year when they turn from loss to profit. It is the flourishing of kind messages and attempts to bring families together for closer fellowship and exchanging gifts. It is a time of desires and dream of lusts and love. So really, for modern culture, it is a time like any other time. It is just more intensified.
So, what are you looking forward to this season?