The Trappings

Yesterday, someone from Fox News posted on Twitter that she had to get home and put her lights up because her neighbors were outdoing her. This got me to thinking. Is that what Christmas is all about--putting up more lights than your neighbor? I call this the trappings of the season.

I also just read on Facebook that a friend is so happy that her house is all decorated and she feels warm and cozy. Isn't that nice? I wanted to comment, "How about getting your soul ready?"

Now, don't get me wrong. I love all the Christmas decorations and fun that goes with the season. But why do we do all these things? What exactly is Christmas all about?

Okay, you may say, it's the birth of Jesus. What does that mean? What is so important about this day? And technically, Dec. 25th most likely was not the day that Jesus was born but Holy Mother Church in her wisdom has designated that day to commemorate His birth and who am I to disagree?

Think about it: over 2,000 years ago a baby was born in a manger in Bethlehem. This birth changed the entire world forever. We base our timeline on this event. We have BC (before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini or the Year of our Lord). Even if you subscribe to the politically correct CE or Common Era what is the common denominator? It is the birth of Jesus the Christ!

So, between stringing lights and decorating trees, take time to think about the real Reason for the Season. Jesus came into this world to die for us and to open the gates of Heaven. He conquered death! He promises us eternal life if we die without mortal sin. Does it get better than that?

Merry Christmas!