Where Are You Christmas?

So as I was watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas, I realized that one of my favorite Christmas songs is in this movie. I love when Cindy Lou Who sings, "Where Are You Christmas?" This is a question I have asked myself frequently throughout the years. It's weird to think that I'm 21 years old already. It doesn't even seem like it should be Christmas time. I feel like I have lost the joy that I once had when waking up on Christmas morning to find presents underneath the Christmas Tree, however I have discovered an even greater joy that comes with Christmas. As I start to look at my life I realize that I easily relate to the lovely Cindy Lou Who who sings, "Do you remember The one you used to know I'm not the same one See what the time's done Is that why you have let me go" It's weird.. There are lots of excuses I could point to in life to explain why I might feel that Christmas, and this time of giving and love didn't have the same feeling as before. Living in America we are quick to find people who care more about the "things" that go along with Christmas. We care more about presents, cookies, spending time with family, catching up with lost friends, that we are quick to forget the real reason for Christmas. In Galatians 2:20-21 Paul tells us, "I was put to death on the cross with Christ, and I do not live anymore- it is Christ who lives in me. I still live in my body, but I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave me and gave himself to save me. By saying these things I am not going against God’s grace. Just the opposite, if the law could make us right with God, then Christ’s death would be useless.” Without the birth, perfect life, and crucifixion of Christ you would be going to hell. This sounds pretty bold and harsh, but unfortunately it is the truth. None of us deserve eternal life. Every time we sin, it is punishable by eternal death and suffering. Luckily we have a God that intimately loves you, and created you and everyone on this earth uniquely. There is not another Chris Arians on this world, same can be said putting your name into that equation, and even better, He loves you so much that He gave His only son so that you can get out of the consequences of sin. So as we embark upon Christmas, lets remember what Christmas is all about. It is an epic History where the God of the Universe loves us all so much that He sent His only Son to die for us. Once we realize this and become a Christian (which means follower of Christ), we must commit our lives to serving Him. Paul says in Philippians 1:21 "For me to live is Christ and to die is Gain." At the end of Matthew Jesus tells us to go out and make disciples of all nations. Feeling this new wave of love for the first real time this year, I feel that I have found Christmas. Like Cindy Lou Who says, "I know I've found you You never fade away The joy of Christmas Stays here inside us Fills each and every heart with love" I just want to encourage anyone reading this, don't lose the joy that Christmas brings. It brought new life and opportunities to each and everyone of us. The joy of Christ should always stay with us today, tomorrow, four months from now and forever. Even if the world rejects you and tells you, you can't, remember that God loves you. There is light at the end of the tunnel for those that can finish the race. Don't slow down, hit the gas, and as we drive into the new year of 2011 remember to fill each and every heart with the love that Christ has shown you.

“The fullest expression of Christian living has to be a combination of God’s truth entering the head, igniting the heart, and outworking through the hands.”

-Thabiti Anyabwile

Have a Merry and Blessed Christmas everyone!

In Christ,

Chris