“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21).

I amazed how it seems each year that the Christmas “stuff” goes on sale earlier and earlier.  Even before the end of October stores already have forests of artificial Christmas trees on the floor ready for customers to purchase.  The Meadow Event Park (home of the Virginia State Fair) has their annual Illuminate Light Show, a drive-thru synchronized light and music show, up and running by November 11. A whole 44 days before Christmas!  Even radio stations at the beginning of November begin to play Christmas music.  However, I refuse to listen to any Christmas music until the Day of Thanksgiving!

I do love Christmas music that celebrates the birth of Christ, but I also enjoy some of the older (classic) secular Christmas music as well, such as “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year,” by Andy Williams. One of the verses to this classic goes like this, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year. There’ll be much mistltoeing, and hearts will be glowing, when loved ones are near. It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” As much as I like this song, it does not tell us the real reason that this time of the year is the “most wonderful time of the year.” It is the most wonderful time of the year because we remember and celebrate the birth of Christ. It is the most wonderful time of the year because just over 2,000 years ago God showed us how much he loved us by sending to us his son, Jesus, born of Mary. This Son, who would redeem humanity through his death and resurrection. That is what makes it the most wonderful time of the year!  Not lights hanging from homes, not drive through synchronized light shows, and defiantly not busy shopping malls.

As a people of faith, let us proclaim “It is the most wonderful time of the year” because of the birth of Jesus!

In Christ,
Pastor Justin Williams