Now that the "Xmas" season has passed, or is passing away, I finally have time to post again. And as I look back on this season, I am still struck by the notion that Jeane and I have pointed out to one another several times these last couple weeks: More than any other Christmas we can remember, this year, we felt so very un-Christmas-like. We have both said numerous times that we don’t feel like we have any Christmas spirit.
While lamenting that, I began to think what this thing called Christmas spirit really is. Did we break our backs and go into debt so that we could purchase un-needed gifts for persons who know no real need? No, we did not. And I am not fond of mentioning what we give and to whom, but suffice it to say that we both believe we have given as we should have to various places, ministries, organizations, and individuals this year. And that’s all I will say about that.
But there is something more, something deeper, about Christmas spirit. And then I realized what it is. I have been talking about the Christmas spirit rather than the Christmas Spirit. Did you notice the subtle difference?
The true Spirit of Christmas is the Spirit who lives within all Christians, the blessed Holy Spirit that seals us and equips us and protects us and teahes us and guides us and comforts us, etc., etc., etc. He (not It) is who we should all seek to know and depend upon this and every season of the year. It was He, who was present at the creation of the world, who worked within the virgin’s womb to make it bear forth God the Son–whose incarnation we celebrate so heartily on Dec. 25. It is the Holy Spirit who is the Christmas Spirit, and I, we, would do well to remember that. And live it.
So, that’s it for now. I am headed once more to watch Narnia, the land where is always winter and never Christmas, be restored by Aslan, Son of the Emperor-Beyond-the-Sea. Aslan, who is good but not safe, is on the move!



