The Christmas Change
I tend to resist change. For me, it breeds anxiety and an uncomfortable state that threatens my status quo. But I know sometimes change proves necessary and beneficial.
This Christmas pushed me into accepting a big change. We found ourselves selling our home in the middle of the holiday season. No putting up a Christmas tree, lights, wreaths, nutcrackers, and other decorations. No deliveries of Amazon packages at the house. Those who know me well understand my frustration…. I decorate almost my entire house, but this year, my Christmas changed.
I confess… my attitude turned sour. I saw only inconveniences and disruption of my world. Complaining started … negativity seeped in. I failed to see any joy in this move that changed my Christmas.
While watching a TV program, a statement pierced my heart. The actress simply said, “Nothing changes if nothing changes.” It hit me like a brick! The Holy Spirit spoke to me and I realized the change needed for my situation. I needed to change my perspective.
I remembered that over 2000 years ago, a change occurred. No crib, no flashing lights, no fancy wreaths or other decorations. Yet, it remains as one of the most extraordinary and spectacular events in history. This magnificent change—the birth of Jesus Christ—represented a change like none other… the Christmas change that changed the world!
When my perspective changed, I only needed to be reminded of the real reason for the season. Instead of focusing on my lack of Christmas lights, a tree, wreaths, nutcrackers, decorations and gift deliveries, I started focusing on Jesus, the light of the world. He later bore a crown of thorns (wreath) on His head and died on a tree (cross) for you and me. He defeated all the nutcrackers (Satan and all his armies) and surpassed Amazon by delivering the greatest gift we will ever receive-eternal life.
See, if “nothing changes… nothing changes”. If Christ wasn’t born, if God didn’t disrupt the world, nothing for us would have changed. We would still be destined for hell. But the Christmas change, Jesus’ birth, and subsequent death, burial, and resurrection changed our destiny from hell to Heaven, from death to life, from sorrow to joy. He saved us from our sins.
The change in my perspective produced a change in my attitude. So, like the shepherds in the field who heard the announcement of Jesus’ birth by the angel, I started glorifying and praising God for His wonderful gift. Glory to God in the Highest!
I am so glad “something changed so something could change.” You see, after December, the lights will go down and all the decorations. But Jesus, the light of the world shines on and remains forever. Jesus’ birth-the Christmas change-changed history and our future.
I don’t know about you, but my change in perspective brought back the real joy of Christmas. Forget the Christmas tree and all the temporary decorations for my earthly home (Btw: The change allowed me to fulfill one of my bucket list items. I spent five days in Ogden, Utah enjoying my Hallmark Christmas vacation sipping on hot chocolate, and visiting the town and shops where some Hallmark movies got filmed. The change proved to be beneficial). I am so grateful for the Christmas change that happened over 2000 years ago. It proved necessary and beneficial to remind me of the greatest gift—Jesus Christ. Why? Simply...
