The Christmas Spirit
READ THE ARTICLE (BELOW) AND THE CHILDREN'S STORY
Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays in the world. It is a time of joy, festivity, sharing, worship and reflection. However, every year at this time there are several persons who will tell you that they are not feeling the Christmas spirit. For these persons the Christmas spirit is the excitement and joy that people feel leading up to Christmas Day. This feeling inspires them to reach out more to others, decorate homes and visit families and friends.
Interestingly, in the story, The Christmas Carol, the Christmas spirits are actually ghosts that confront Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas Eve about this selfish ways. On Christmas day Scrooge is a changed man filled with love, kindness, compassion and generosity.
But who or what is the Christmas spirit? And where did this idea of a Christmas spirit come from?
Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, who was born in Bethlehem during the reign of Herod. The word itself is a shortened form of Christ’s mass (big service of worship). The book of Luke records that the angel Gabriel, visited Mary, and told her that she would have a baby. Mary asked how that could happen, since she was a virgin. However, Gabriel told her the Holy Spirit will come on her, and the power of the Most High will overshadow her; so the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35) The Old Testament prophet, Isaiah prophesied that “they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”) (Isaiah 7:14)
There was no room in Bethlehem’s inns and so Mary was forced to give birth in a manger. Despite the circumstances, the first Christmas was indeed a time of great excitement and joy in the world and heaven. Angels shared this good news to shepherds who left their flocks and hurried to Bethlehem to see the baby. Later, wise men filled with glee and humility arrived to show their respects and honoured baby Jesus with gifts, fit for a king.
So who is this Christmas Spirit? It is God the Son who came to earth to save us. God is indeed with us, as His Holy Spirit indwells in us. This Spirit therefore cannot be found in the festivities and excitement of the holiday season. It can only be found with Christ; for the fruit and gifts of His Spirit bring the light of hope, peace, love and joy to all mankind. This Spirit transforms lives and gives eternal life. So next time, when you hear someone say they are not feeling the Christmas spirit, introduce them to the true Spirit of Christmas – Christ the Redeemer.
THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT: A Jamaican Tale
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BOOKS Bible Math: 1-2-3 and Bible Phonics: A-B-C are available on Amazon. Explore great Bible math activities on Pinterest.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Allison Hall is an educator with over twenty years experience. She holds a Diploma in Teaching, a Diploma in Educational Management, a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and a Masters of Arts in Library and Information Studies. Ms. Hall's work has been featured in early childhood, primary and secondary school schools in Jamaica. In her current role with the Ministry of Education, Jamaica she oversees the development of educational materials in print format to support the public school curriculum.