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Remember the true reason for Christmas this season

Nicole Russell   Paste BN

News junkies might feel a gaping hole in their lives next year. Sure, there will be a new administration and all, but the election is over, and the news cycle likely will slow down. 

I know it’s weird, but I’ll miss the busyness and surprise that accompanied a truly wild, historic election cycle.  

I think Christmas time in America is similar to an election year for those of us who eagerly consume news. It becomes another attempt to fill that gnawing void a lot of us feel in our souls from time to time.  

That’s not what it is supposed to be, of course. Christmas is supposed to be about joy and giving, Santa and hot cocoa. But, for a lot of people, the end of the year holidays become about satiating ourselves with excess. 

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It may involve giving ourselves permission to enjoy extra servings of sweet treats or splurge on something special for loved ones – or ourselves. Maybe it involves dining out more or even donating more to those in need. The mantra is clear: Go big or go home. 

Americans will reportedly spend about $900 per person around the holidays this year. 

As a mother of four children, I don’t spend that much on each of my kids, despite their lengthy lists. (One kid, and I’m not naming names, added over 40 items to their Amazon list!) 

I promise that I’m no Scrooge! It’s OK to ask for and to give gifts. It’s OK to have fun, eat plenty of good food and enjoy all the festivities of the season.  

But it’s also good practice to ask: Why am I doing this? Am I doing it because I’m embracing the warmth and joy of the season? Or am I looking to satisfy something deeper in my soul?  

I’ve wrestled with this a lot. 

It’s ironic that the greatest gift the world has ever received sparked the most expensive and extravagant holiday, at least in the United States.  

For me, Christmas isn’t just about presents and hot cocoa. It’s about the gift of Jesus Christ, who was born on Christmas and who lived a perfect life, sacrificed himself for our sins and still beckons humanity to believe in him and enjoy eternal life. 

More than 2.5 billion Christians around the world believe that Jesus is the true reason for Christmas.  

This Christmas, I hope you read all the news you can and take a break when you need it. There’s always more politics to come. I hope you and your loved ones get everything you asked for and receive the one thing you really need – the gift of God’s salvation.

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