I guess it is Christmas. I mean, aside from the stores having Christmas decoration and mer c h an d i s e out since Halloween, it seems pretty obvious. You see the signs of Christmas almost everywhere. It just seems like it started early this year with Thanksgiving coming so late, November 28th.

Christmas decorations and Christmas tree lighting ceremonies happened the Friday and Saturday before Thanksgiving rather than after Thanksgiving this year. Some towns even had decorations up and lighted up before Thanksgiving. And it was not just the towns being early with the decorations and lighting but several houses had there decorations up and lit within the same time frame. Commer cials on T.V. for the latest gadgets, games and toys for the kids have inundated the airwaves. Churches are advertising their cantata dates and times on the church signs. Rehearsals are well underway for the kids’ programs at school and church.

I have even received Christmas cards in the mail as well as made out my Christmas card list as well. And not just the card list has been made so have the gift lists for family, friends and neighbors.

And, we can’t forget those traditional Christmas shows. You know, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Miracle on 34th street and of course, A Christmas Story…Ralphie and his Red Rider BB gun. Even the radio stations are playing the Christmas songs…White Christmas, Silent Night, The First Noel and that classic hit, Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer.

Even the weather is cooperating with the Christmas season. We have seen the temperatures drop to the freezing mark and below a couple of days. We just watch the extended weather forecast to see if snow is anywhere to be seen (adults hoping no and kids praying yes).

And mentioning kids, as Christmas gets closer, it seems they get a little kinder, nicer, maybe, believing that mom and dad won’t remember their less-than-saintly behavior for the past 11 months (Good luck with that kiddos, we remember).

Yes, everywhere around us, wherever we go, we are reminded of the Christmas season that is completely upon us. But, may I share with you something I shared with my church in regards to Christmas? It is just three things to maybe keep Christmas in perspective and the meaning of the season.

Number one, remember who He is. Jesus is the son of God. He is the Messiah. He is born of a virgin, the one the prophets foretold would come some 600-800 years before His birth (Isaiah and Jeremiah). He lived the perfect life and did many signs, wonders and healings. His teaching was with authority.

Second, remember what He is. He is the only begotten Son of God. Isaiah called Him Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, and Prince of Peace. Because of this He is the Savior of the world that died for our sins. He is the propitiation (substation for our sins). He died on a cross for our sins, was put in a grave and three days later was risen from the dead, seen by many over a 40 day period and then ascended to the right hand of God with a promise to return for us someday.

Thirdly, remember why we celebrate. Simply put, it is His (JESUS’) Birthday! The above mentioned is a reminder to us of why we celebrate as well. Christmas is a reminder of God’s love for us, He sent and gave His Son to die for us.

Each Christmas is a reminder of the greatness of Jesus, a reminder of His birth, life, death, resurrection and the imminence of His return!

Charlie Brown cries out at the Christmas program at his school, “Doesn’t anybody know what Christmas is all about.” Linus then responds with the recitation of Luke 2 passage of the shepherds’ heavenly announcement of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem and as a sign they would find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. “That’s what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown,” replies Linus.

So simple a response but so accurate as to what we should remember as we prepare for Christmas.

Merry Christmas, Bro. Tim