There is much anticipation as the Christmas celebration approaches. We try our best to keep a balanced perspective, knowing it is the observance commemorating the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

It is difficult to avoid some of the retail madness, yet we trudge through it with an expectation of joy to be shared with family and friends. Each individual family embraces its own tradition, be it food or gift exchange. We press on with the preparation effort. The expense is sometimes hard to keep within budget as the gift list seems to grow and grow.

The ultimate goal: to enjoy that sweet happiness of the moment! To behold the wonder on a child’s face, to embrace a loved one with that perfect gift, to sit and indulge in a feast that satisfies the heartiest of appetites, to share affection and hospitality with family, friends, and sometimes distant acquaintances. What then is Christmas?

Christmas is that Spirit of Joy that made all the expense, all the rushing around, all the planning, all the labor … worthwhile. It fills the heart with happiness and bliss that is savored for the moment and cherished as a sweet memory.

Where else can we find this Spirit of Christmas?

Just as we labored for that blessed moment of holiday celebration we find the same joy, the same fulfillment, the same happiness in the worship of Jesus Christ. Not just December 25 but whenever and wherever the Saints gather with an expectation of blessings contained in the worship of Jesus Christ.

Just as the shepherds rejoiced in the presence of the Christ child, we also indulge in the blessed Spirit of Jesus Christ when we worship. It offers those cherished moments and imparts lasting blessings. We rejoice in the moment of the blessings and lock them deep within the treasure of our hearts.

We, the Saints of The Church of Jesus Christ, celebrate Christmas and Thanksgiving and Easter every day and every time we gather to worship of Jesus Christ. The Spirit of Jesus Christ in our midst imparts a sacred joy to the soul that makes our worship Christmas always!

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.