As Christmas approaches, a common phrase that is asked is, “Are you ready for Christmas?”. Most of the time the answer is “are you kidding me!” or just a simple “no”. What most people are referring to is the secular Christmas holiday rather than its original or true meaning. Trying to get ready for the secular Christmas can bring on anxiety, stress, worry and a big headache.

If a person will center in on what Christmas is really all about, the celebration of the coming of the Savior, then this time of year can be full of hope, love, joy, and peace.

After Jesus was born, we read in Luke 2 where an angel appeared to shepherds nearby and told them that this birth would bring about good news that would cause great joy. He also shared that this birth would bring peace and God’s favor on earth.

Aren’t these the things we are looking for and that we need, and yet we allow ourselves to get caught up in the hustle and bustle.

Let us go into this season seeking after the good things offered by God, peace, joy, love, and hope, and let it spread to those around us.