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Decide Now to Get the Most Out of Christmas

By Dr. David L. Chancey

The 72-foot white pine that stood in Harold and Martha Dudley's Snellville yard for more than two decades was chosen to be this year's Rich's-Macy's Great Tree that was lighted on Thanksgiving evening and is the center-piece of the shopping trip to Lenox Square. But it wasn't meant to be.

As the tree was being lifted from a flatbed truck two Sundays ago, it snapped, disappointing the Dudley's and dispatching tree scouts to search for plan B.

“It wasn't but a few feet above the ground when we heard the snap,” said Marla Shavin, spokeswoman for Rich's-Macy's. “It's one of those things you never want to hear. It's right up there with 'uh oh' in the operating room.”

Several days later, they found another, put it safely in its place, and the annual tree lighting that began 57 years ago went on as planned Thursday night.

Now we can all go shopping, right? The Christmas season is officially underway. And we're off to the races. Will we dive in for another stress-filled rush, or will we make this Christmas mean something spiritually significant?

So how can we get the most out of Christmas?

First, remember what we're observing. In our politically correct society, “Christmas” gets moved to the back burner. Our school kids have winter holidays, not Christmas break. Some greet with “happy holidays,” not “Merry Christmas.” The old cliché is true: “Jesus is the reason for the season.”

Second, make the season a time for worship. Luke records that when Jesus came, the heavens exploded with the glory of God as the angels announced the good news of His birth. Throughout the Christmas story, people worshipped. Take time to worship. Read and reflect on the Christmas story.

Third, let go of hard feelings. Christmas is not a time to hold a grudge. As Jesus came to forgive us, we are called to forgive one another. Though reconciliation is a process and may take time, it can begin now.

Fourth, pace yourself. Christmas becomes a time of stress when we overload. Don't take on too much. Make your expectations realistic.

Fifth, put meaning into gifts. Don't just check off a “to do” list. We give gifts because God gave to us in the person of His son Jesus. The wise men brought gifts to Jesus. Giving is at the heart of the Christmas story. “For God so loved the world, He gave.” Put thought behind your gifts.

Sixth, enjoy the children. That first Christmas was about a baby. See Jesus in the faces of the children around you. Note the sparkle in their eyes and the excitement in their laughter. Let their childish innocence and wonder enthuse you.

Seventh, reflect on past blessings. Luke 2:19 points out that Mary treasured the entire experience of bringing Jesus into the world and pondered these marvelous events in her heart. What has God taught you this past year? How has he worked in your heart?

Eighth, make room in your heart for Jesus. Give Him His rightful place in your life. He wants to be first. The truth of the little poem still applies this Christmas:

“What can I give Him as poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I'd give Him a lamb;

If I were a wise man, I'd do my part.

What can I give Him, I'll give Him my heart.”

Decide on the front end to get the most out of Christmas by focusing your Christmas around the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

(Dr. David L. Chancey is pastor, McDonough Road Baptist Church. The church family meets at 352 McDonough Road, near the soccer fields, and invites you to join them for Bible study at 9:45 a.m. and worship at 10:55 a.m. this Sunday).

By David Chancey
Contributing Writer