My neighbors around the corner have a massive Christmas display in their front yard. There is so much, I see something different every time I go by. I am impressed by people who decorate lavishly, and I appreciate their efforts. In contrast, we didn’t put any lights on our plants this year. I felt like once people saw the house around the corner, our little half-lit bush (our lights rarely work properly) just could not compare. We have a wreath on the door, and we have a pressed-board Nativity scene spot-lighted. Simplicity was our goal this year—mostly because we were too lazy to do more–but also because by Biblical descriptions, the real Nativity was simple. The scene was simple, but the event was the most complex event of history. God became man, a man who was also God.
Not everyone believes this, of course. This time of year can be overwhelming for non-Christians, and I respect their beliefs. Christmas permeates society. One cannot walk in a store without seeing decorations or hearing Christmas songs. My hope for everyone, regardless of their faith or lack thereof, is that they learn what Christmas is truly about, and even if they don’t believe that Jesus is God, they feel the joy and hope He gives to the world.
Merry Christmas!