Christmas is more than a day

Our calendars tell us that Christmas is December 25. So we all hurry about trying to get everything done by that day — house decorations, gifts, cards, baking, meal plans, house or apartment ready for people, tree up and decorated, and outdoor lights in place. Then, that day comes — and it's downhill from there. It's over until another year. But is it really?

It shouldn't be, because Christmas goes on — if we know the real reason for the season. And that is Jesus — the greatest gift ever given to mankind — the gift of love sent from God to earth in the form of a baby in a manager over 2000 years ago. He is there among all the wrapping, the lights, the food, but not as the central focus — just there. Can we stop — just for a moment and refocus on the reason for that baby in the stable? Be still, as on that starry night so long ago. Jesus was there; Jesus is here today. We try to pretend that He is not the reason for the season, so we cover it up with glitter and bows, gatherings and food, laughter and song — forgetting about the Christ child and why He was sent to earth.

It is written that He came as a savior to save mankind from their sins — and that's the part we don't like. No one wants to admit they are a sinner and need a savior in order to go to heaven — but it is so. It was big, very big.

Jesus really is the reason for the season. Christmas is more than a day. It's a life-changing opportunity to begin your life anew with Jesus, who was born, who grew up and lived, who died for our sins, who rose from the dead and was seen by hundreds at the time and is known by millions across the world today.

That's what Christmas is all about. It's much more than a day. It's a new life. Let it begin in your heart today.

Stop. Be still. Consider the wonder. Don't put Jesus away with the Christmas boxes. You need Him today. CHRIST-mas goes on. It's more than a day!

Mary Lou Thompson is a Hayden resident.