“There is no denying there is something truly magical about the Christmas Season. Despite the hustle and bustle, the Black Friday frenzy and the carbohydrate overload, Christmas holds sway as “king” of the holidays.

Young or old, rich or poor — it doesn’t matter, Christmas is a favorite. Why? A few people might say “Bah Humbug! What is the big, deal about Christmas anyway. What is it about Christmas that is so special.”

Sure, the decorations are beautiful, and everyone seems to be in a good mood. Movies are nostalgic, musical Christmas Specials abound and you can always catch “The Sound of Music” somewhere on your television screen. Even though these things are wonderful, and we enjoy them, it is not the reason for the season. So, here’s to all the Ebeneezer Scrooges of the world, the reason Christmas is so magical.

A very long time ago, a small baby was born. No hospitals around, no room at the inn. The child was born in a manger, surrounded by the barnyard animals. No tree trimmings, no tinsel, no flashing lights — just the glow of a winter’s moon.

As we hurry and scurry about this Holiday Season, hopefully we will stop and take the time to honor the true meaning of Christmas, and give thanks to a loving God, who loved his creation so much, he was willing to send his only son as redemption for mankind.

If it were not for this precious gift, all would be lost.

It is nice to spend time with family, gathered around the Christmas tree, opening presents by the fireplace, enjoying the bounty the Lord has blessed us with; a holiday meal seeing the excitement and anticipation in our childrens’ faces, visits with friends and family. Greater still is the knowledge our loved ones are safe and well cared for.

By sending a gift — one that could never be matched or excelled — God saved mankind from their sin’s. It would take 33 years for his plan to come to fruition, but that is another story.

Merry Christmas!