What makes Christmas bright? For many of us, attention is drawn to all the flashy luster that is part of this special season of the year. Possibly the most shining example of shimmering sheen in the season of Christmas are the lights. Starting in November and lasting through January, Christmas lights appear all over the place. In our neighborhood there are scintillating displays that glitter like tiny beacons after the all-too-soon setting of the sun brings darkness to our community. Beyond our subdivision, many other homes portray their love for the season using twinkling displays, moving lights, or even characters that sway as they burst with bright light. A few homes entertain passers-by with glitzy themes. Other residences show their value for quantity, teetering on the edge of gaudiness (a destination at which some have fully arrived). A few humble dwellings shine out with unbelievable extravagance. The glow of lights set out with great effort brings a welcome moment of joy and celebration for all.
Beyond the lights of the facade, many homes are filled on the inside with glittering, shimmering decor. Snowmen, snowflakes, skaters and icicles announce that the time is winter. Candy canes, M&M’s and other mouth watering displays draw out the sweet tooth in us. Evergreen trees smothered with decor and tinsel share a hope that springtime will come again to break the cold and darkness. Displays of faith announce the real or historic reason we call this season Christmas.
The season draws out an expression of hope among merchants who fill stores with wares and line shelves with glittering trinkets which they hope we will buy. It is said that one out of every five merchandise purchases is made within thirty days before Christmas and produces three trillion dollars in sales on main street, mall row, byways stores and internet surfside displays.
Where did this all get started? Tradition tells us it was three kings who traveled the silk road from the east and brought the original glittering gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. But many in our secular world argue it was Santa Claus who dropped the original gold trinkets down chimneys into the stockings of the poor. You can choose, but remember: One shiny gift brings only a quick flash of glitter, but a gift given with the love of Christ displays abiding light from within.
By some readings, both the Kings and Santa Claus (St. Nicholas) gave a one-time present. But when you look at the real Kings, and the genuine heart of the real St. Nicholas, you discover they each gave their gifts out of a heart seeking to please God. This Christmas, will you give presents that carry the glitters and glimmers of this world in order to impress, or will you give the gifts prayed over and driven by the love of Christ in order to embrace our world in an unbelievable way on that first Christmas morning?
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