But while Christmas has a different significance to different people, the way that we celebrate it is very similar. There is something about the holiday that brings people together. Family gatherings and office Christmas parties and get togethers with friends all help us renew our connections. Life is better when we do it together.
The first Christmas was somewhat like this. The gathering part anyway. People were all crammed together to comply with the census. They were all packed into small towns to be registered. Not quite the way that we gather today, but the overcrowding seems familiar. I have not had to sleep in a barn or use a manger as a crib, but there has been plenty of couch surfing or eating at the card table in the corner. And all of it is fine, Who wouldn't want to be a little more crowded to have a few more family and friends around?
The way that we enjoy each other at Christmas should be the way that we relate all year round. We should try to live together in peace and make each other a priority. Most of us wouldn't think of just skipping Christmas events. We adjust our schedules accordingly. We plan for them and put forth the extra effort to be there and enjoy each other.
So why not make that effort the rest of the time, I think that at Christmas there is an expectation of community. We expect it of each other and we expect it of ourselves. Most of the other times it seems perfectly acceptable to let other things get in the way. The original church was about believers gathering together and we should remember that today.
Watch this video from Pastor Chris.
Community is about making those around you a priority. As we get through Christmas, making others a priority would be a great resolution heading into the new year.
Merry Christmas everyone.
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