Day 3, GIFT #3 – Give the gift of Christmas Cheer!
"And the shepherds went back glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them." (Luke 2:8)
Christmas Cheer!
Christmas Cheer is a mindset regarding Christmas. We create an atmosphere of Christmas around us by expressing Christmas joy about the birth of Jesus and what His birth means to the world.
This is the most wonderful news of all time!
I once hated Christmas
Spreading “Christmas Cheer” was extremely difficult, even almost impossible, for me because I hated Christmas! When the first trappings of Christmas appeared, I would go into a deep dark depression. By the time Christmas arrived, I could hardly get out of bed. I dreaded the holiday season each year. You may wonder how I had gotten like this. I'm sure it was from what happened to me as a child during the holidays. Growing up in the foster care system in the old days was very different than it is now. I won't go into details, but that was part of what affected me.
A powerful sermon explained what happened to me
One Sunday at the beginning of the holiday season, I heard a sermon from my pastor which changed how I felt during Christmas time. He said the holiday season is difficult, even painful and depressing, for some people. He said it is often caused by traumatic experiences which have happened during the holidays. Perhaps it was the death of a spouse, parent, or child. Or there was abuse or some other negative event which triggered sadness or depression during the holidays.
Do something to change how you feel in the future
He said we can't change or control what has happened in the past, but it is possible to change the future! We can build new memories to associate with the holiday season. New positive memories can change how we feel in the future during the holiday season.
A light went off in my head!
It was the first time anyone had suggested a solution to my problem. He said, “Nothing changes, until something changes!” He suggested a few practical things to do.
I decided to create new wonderful memories attached to Christmas. At first I forced myself to do holiday things. I did only a few little things that first year, but each year I added a few more things. My “to do” list grew, and so did my enjoyment of the holidays. My depression became a thing of the past.
- I helped decorate our Christmas tree.
- I looked for ways to help others.
- I bought and wrapped Christmas presents.
- I listened to Christmas music.
- I went for drives with my wife to see Christmas lights.
- I went to the mall to see the decorations.
- I went to my children's Christmas programs.
- I started saying “Merry Christmas.”
- I sent Christmas cards.
- I put decorations on our house.
- I went to the church bazaar.
- I went Christmas caroling.
- I watched Christmas movies with my wife.
- I wore a Santa hat and “ugly sweaters.”
Over the years, with all the new memories associated with Christmas, it has become my favorite time of the year.
I’ve discovered a huge bonus related to the season: it’s a wonderful time to share the good news of why we are celebrating!
The first ones to spread Christmas Cheer
In the Christmas story in Luke 2:8, angels, the heavenly host, and the shepherds reacted to the birth of the Savior. They were the very first ones to spread Christmas Cheer!
“And the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people. For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:8)
“And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.'” (Luke 2:13-14 NIV)
“When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.” (Luke 2 :17 NASB)
“And the shepherds went back glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them." (Luke 2 :20 NASB)
