Merry Christmas

First off, can I just say, Merry Christmas! You've probably heard this phrase about a hundred times today, but I don't want you to forget it. I feel like sometimes we get caught up in the things we have to do to make the holidays a success, and we don't stop and smell the eggnog. I want to give you a challenge, this holiday season, I want you to stop and say what God has gave you this past year. Where did you feel God throughout the year? And most importantly, What does Christmas mean to you?
Sure, you may put on a good act in church, you may even commit to a youth group, or go to Sunday school every week. But what is something that you need to work on? We are all imperfect human beings, nothing can change that, but we can strive to be better. For example in my life, I may be a hardcore Christian with good intentions, but I lack devotion throughout the week. I have fallen short of commitment and I don't even remember the last time I sat down and had an honest conversation with God. What is something you can do this upcoming year, to remind yourself, of where you came from. Of who sacrificed his life, so that you may have the choice to do something different in yours and in the lives of those around you.
This holiday is to remember the birth of the one who was set apart to save us all. This world is a screwed up place, but with more people being the light of that little baby lying in the manager, there will be a glimmer of hope. If more people spread the word, that there is a Messiah who died for you. He came into the world so that every last one of us would have a chance to have an intimate relationship with our Father who so desperately wants one with us.
There are people out there who choose not to spend the holidays with certain people. I want all of you to know, it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter if it's your mother, who you haven't seen in 10 years when you ran away from home. It doesn't matter if it is a rivalry including jealousy between cousins. It doesn't matter if you're still arguing about the silly disagreement that prevented the entire family from talking to each other ever again. Christmas is a time of reconciliation and forgiveness. It's about being with the ones you love, and most importantly the ones that need love. God wants us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute you. So, if there is someone who you aren't on good terms with this holiday season. Take this opportunity to set aside your differences and to come together again. Because Christmas is much better, if you celebrate as a family. A family with differences, and disagreements. But a family that has put that aside, because their love for each other is much greater than that!
Merry Christmas, and I hope you all have save travels this season!!! May God bless you and protect you this upcoming year!