Christmas will sure be different this year. In the middle of a global pandemic and recovering from two hurricanes, this will be the most different Christmas that many of us will ever experience.
So today, I am struggling with this question: How can we make Christmas as meaningful as it should be? Consider some ideas that might steer us in the right direction.
(1) Get out your Bible and read once again the story of the first Christmas found in the Gospel of Matthew and Luke. Read slowly and think about what you are reading. (2) Watch one of the old Christmas movie classics like "It's A Wonderful Life," "Miracle on 34th Street," or "A Christmas Carol." (3)) Call an old friend who you haven't visited with for a while.
(4) Make a list of things that you are thankful for. Actually write it down. (5) Give the gift of forgiveness to someone who has hurt you. (6) Say a positive word to a store employee who looks really tired.
(7) Find someone in need and do something special for that person without anyone finding out. (8) On Christmas Eve, worship somewhere online or in person. Think about Mary and Joseph and the shepherds and that special baby in the manger. (9) Take some time to commune with the One whose birth we celebrate, the Prince of Peace.
Christmas is right around the corner. It is going to be different this year. But trusting in God, it can be the most meaningful Christmas of all.