Fudge, wassail, Santa Claus, twinkling lights, Rudolph, gifts with bows, gingerbread houses, frosted sugar cookies, church and work parties, chips and dip, school plays, Christmas cards, and progressive dinners. This is a fun and happy level of Christmas. Our traditions strengthen our families and communities. We rejoice in the season and celebrate with vigor. We laugh too much, eat too much, and spend too much…and enjoy every minute of it. Three things often enjoyed best about the fun Christmas festivities are the twinkling lights, visits from out-of-town family and friends and the shared laughter.

But this level can’t last—even the hardiest of us can only enjoy this for a couple of weeks. It is too rich, too sweet, too intense, and too expensive. The tree dries out, the ribbons unravel, the snow melts, the batteries die, the dip goes sour, the gingerbread goes stale—and, we are left with bills to pay, messes to clean up, and extra pounds to lose.

But thankfully, there is another level of Christmas. The drummer boy, beautiful carols, Joseph, Mary, the Shepherds, the star, nativity displays, church pageants, Luke 2, and the baby in the manger. We feel a warmth and safety in the familiar story of the birth of Christ. We think of the stable animals and the tranquility that surrounded the holy little stable where the King was born. We picture shepherds watching the heavens and hearing a choir comprised of angelic voices. We reflect on Joseph’s strength and tenderness in caring for the virtuous and lovely Mary. We imagine holding the new baby and marveling at His perfectness. We dream of feeling peace and hope as must have been felt that evening by those who were aware.

But even this level won’t last. The baby can’t stay in the manger forever, the carols would become over-played and wearisome, displays would fade and gather dust, and the oft-told story would become trite if told every day.

No, for Christmas to truly be fulfilling and lasting, we must find and enjoy it on yet another level—the level of the adult Christ that has the power to save us from trouble, sin, pain, sorrow, and death. We must live as He lived, and love as He loved…through the Christmas season and throughout the rest of the year.

Envision yourself climbing a very steep mountain—with sharp drop-offs and cliffs. The longer you climb, the more difficult it seems to be. But…Christ is in front of you, marking the path for you to follow. He calls for you to stay in His footsteps and encourages you to look up to Him—as if to remind you that looking down or back will cause you to stumble, slip and fall. Christ doesn’t take huge daddy-steps that you can’t reach—He takes steps just right for your imperfect legs.

It is when each of us follow in the adult Christ’s footsteps—caring for the lonely, sick, infirm, elderly, and young; teaching, strengthening, healing the hurts, and providing for the needs of others; willingly leading out in righteous causes—that we find hope, happiness, and joy during the Christmas season…bringing a peace that sustains us throughout the year. We are able to enjoy the first and second level of Christmas more because we know there is more—that when the tree and nativity are put away there will still be strength and happiness in our lives that comes from following the Perfect Exemplar.

- Author Unknown

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The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 NLT

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NIV

And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 1 John 5:11

For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NIV

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!  2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.  2 Corinthians 13:11 NIV

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If you liked this story and would like a copy of either of my books,
they are available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle format:

If you have a story or testimony that you think might bless others,
I invite you to send it by email to me (Kenneth Kersey) at godsotherways@me.com.

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