What is the true meaning of Christmas?

I share with you some thoughts about the Christmas season

That in all the hustle and bustle you would take time to reflect on its reason

It’s about caring for others

Going that extra mile

Bringing to the sad and the lonely a smile

Saying to others, “For you, I do care.

I want you to know for you I’m there.”

Christmas isn’t about going into debt

It’s about our saviour for who you wept

Who died on Calvary that from your sin you would be set free

We speak of a Jesus who was meek and mild

Looking with eyes of hope upon that holy child

Born at Bethlehem in a manger bare

Wise men from the east came to see Him there

They followed a bright and shining star

Coming from country afar

To offer their gifts of frankincense, myrrh and gold

To worship the infant

Taking time with Mary and Joseph to behold the Christ child there

Shepherds watching their flocks by night

were told by an angel of the Lord,

“Today is born this day in Bethlehem in the city of David,

a saviour.”

The shepherds left their flocks to worship Jesus there

Over 2,000 years have gone by

Men, women, and children still searching their hearts

To try to understand fully why God would give to us

the gift of His one and only Son to die at Calvary

Why He would love us so much to allow us from our sin to be set free

Theologians, ministers, and laypeople continue to ask that question

When I think about Christ in the manger

The baby who grew up to speak a message of hope for all

the answer for why God gave such a huge sacrifice is this:

God did it to not only free us from the wrong things we say, think and do

He did it because He wanted to teach you and me

that the best gifts in life are free

To encourage and challenge us to show our love to others,

our outstretched humanity

That we would learn what true love does mean

That kind of sacrificial love isn’t as often seen

There is less of a spirit of community

Too much focus on the “me”

But I thank our Father in Heaven for those who love the hurting

Take time to listen to others in despair

Over a cup of coffee, their compassion to share

I pray this message has spoken to your heart

Has lifted your weary spirit

Please take time from your work to rest and play

To spend time with family and friends

The best present you can give is your love

Treat everyone equally as your sister, as your brother

Allow the spirit of Christmas to be alive in you every day

Take time for the struggling to pray

To help them where you can

Tell them they aren’t failures

because they have fallen on hard times

They are a-okay

For everyone, this would be my prayer:

In this world filled with too much terror, too much fear

a spirit of unconditional love would flow out from you 365 days a year

Dr. Kevin James Osborne, D.Sc., D.D., Psy D. Candidate, is the Vice-President of Institutional and Mission Advancement for St. James the Elder University.  He was recently named to the office of Chaplain by Most Reverend Heyward B. Ewart Ph.D., Psy.D., D.D., who is the Head of Holy Catholic Church International. Kevin and Karen have a private counseling practice called You Can Hope Again Counselling. Kevin is a Doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D.) candidate at St. James the Elder University.  When he graduates with his Doctorate in Psychology, he feels God is leading him to postgraduate study in theology and counseling. Karen plans to take graduate studies in psychology and theology. Our journey is all about being servants of Christ’s love wherever God leads us.  Our mission field is wherever God puts us for His glory. 

http://www.youcanhopeagaincounselling.com/