It’s so easy to make Christmas something totally different than God ever intended it to be.

We make it about presents. We make it about Santa. We make it about the Elf on the Shelf. We make it about the parties, events, and holiday celebrations. We make it about memories that we hope will live forever in the hearts of our children. We make it about spending time with family and friends.

None of these things are wrong. If you’ve read my posts from earlier this month, you know our family enjoys many of these holiday traditions.

My fear, though, is that these traditions will overshadow the one thing we really need to do this Christmas.

My fear is that these things-these wonderful things that add so much fun to our holidays-will make us forget about the most important thing: Jesus.

His coming to this earth changed everything.

Death no longer leaves us hopeless. Tears no longer remain wet on our cheeks. Sins can be accounted for. Peace is now ours. Whatever the world throws our way…we can have hope that God will never leave our sides.

Christmas is the reminder that God came near. 

So if you’re feeling like God is distant from you this year, remember what Christmas means. It means that God cared so much about you that he gave up royalty for a stinky stable. He gave up heaven for Bethlehem. He gave up a life of ease for a death on the cross.

This week, as you enjoy the traditions your family has made, don’t forget to do the most important thing: remember Jesus. Remember the One who came near…for you.

Merry Christmas.