That's What Christmas Is All About!

 "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." - Luke 2:8-14

I don't know about you, but I love the songs of Christmas.  I've been preaching a series of messages on Sunday mornings at Start Baptist Church, "The Songs of Christmas."  I love them all!  Some of the albums I've been listening to are "Christmas" by Michael Buble, "Warmer in the Winter" by Lindsey Stirling, and "Hope Has a Name" by Passion.  However, one record spins in my office over and over again: "A Charlie Brown Christmas" by Vince Guaraldi Trio.  It is based on the Christmas special, and I love one scene when Charlie Brown loses it as his friends laugh at his poor little Christmas tree.  He wants to know if there is anyone who knows what Christmas is all about.  That's when Linus steps up and boldly proclaims the truth of the gospel found in Luke 2:8-14.  He then says one of the most profound and most important statements: "That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."  

I love everything about the Christmas season: the decorations, the gathering, the food, and yes, the songs.  I love celebrating Christmas with my family and friends.  I think all of these things are good things, but they are not what Christmas is all about.  Christmas is all about Jesus.  He is the Messiah, the Savior, the Lord.  God's joy and peace promised to us in Luke 2:8-14 comes in and through Jesus, through Jesus alone.  That joy and peace can be and should be celebrated with family and with friends throughout the Christmas season!  Let's not miss what Christmas is all about.  Let's focus on Jesus, and let's praise God this Christmas season with our lives and our songs!