I’m sure it’s true for many of you as well, but last week's blizzard threw me off. Schedules, rhythms of life, work and income, plans with family or friends, and preparations for Christmas for so many have had to substantially change. And Christmas can’t be delayed a week to make up for this! In light of this frustration, some have schemed with clenched fists to find clever human solutions to get around the storm and its effect while others have let go, accepted it, and rested.

As we usher in this Christmas season, let us pause and consider what 1 Peter 1:1820 tells us: “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world...”

For generations, families have sat around the TV to watch the loved movie, A Charlie Brown Christmas, directed by Bill Melendez. It has become a staple in the Christmas movie lineup for many families. You may have fond memories of watching this movie yourself with your family; I know I do. Perhaps you may watch A Charlie Brown Christmas this year.

Matthew 1 verses 21 to 23 is a message to Joseph concerning Mary: “She shall bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and you shall call his name Emmanuel.’” Jesus is the Messiah, our Savior, and the sacrifice for our sins. For 33 years, he listened to the Jewish leaders, the crowds, and his disciples; he taught, he preached, he prayed, he went, he cried, he fed, he healed, he raised the dead, he walked on the water, he loved, and yet, most of them did not believe that he was who he said he was - the one and only Son of God.

Christmas is so much more than Santa Claus, decorations, and presents. It is more than all the hustle and bustle of shopping, parties, and feasts. And if everyone would truly take the time to remember the true reason for the season, our world would definitely be a better place to live.

For many families, the holidays are all about tradition. Traditions can include annual trips to Grandma’s house, when and where a family shares its holiday gifts, or something as simple as the holiday meal.