Yesterday, as I ended a conversation with someone; I wished them Merry Christmas. This person looked at me and said, "There won't be much Christmas at my house this year".  This took me by surprise! I couldn't recall someone telling me that before. Usually I get, Yeah! And Merry Christmas to you as well!

As I took a seat, I began to think about how it was possible less Christmas was available to them than anyone else. Certainly the economy has been tough on many of us this year. I thought this could be a factor if we allow Christmas to be wrapped in the tradition and expectations modern society applies to the season.

My mind shuffled through a stack of Christmas memories, opportunities and traditions.  Possibilities of less snow, fewer friends, smaller decorations and fewer gifts  than years past can define your commemoration, if one chooses it.  There can be an endless number of things someone may need to trim from their list so their celebration more closely matches their resources.

Then I settled on a final thought which has become a meditation for me in the hours since being confronted with the sentiment of less Christmas.  It's impossible to have more or less Christmas by any standard. The real truth of the Christmas was born in Bethlehem 2000 years ago. Not on December 25th but perhaps in the March, April time frame.  

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting." Therefore He shall give them up, Until the time that she who is in labor has given birth; Then the remnant of His brethren Shall return to the children of Israel.  And He shall stand and feed His flock In the strength of the Lord, In the majesty of the name of the Lord His God; And they shall abide, For now He shall be great To the ends of the earth;  And this One shall be peace.   (Mic 5:2-5   NKJV)

At the end of a shaft of star light lay heaven's gift to men. Angels announced its sentiment; "Peace on Earth, Good will toward men".  Enough salvation to forgive all who ask. Enough deliverance to break sins grip on any who cry out. Enough healing  to restore even the most wounded spirit. Enough peace to calm the storms in every soul.

Anyone can have real Christmas! Just as much as anyone else! Right now! Ask Jesus to forgive you for any sins. Ask Him to write His laws on your heart and to help you live by them. Ask Him to heal your wounds and give you peace! Now that's real Christmas!