Merry Christmas Eve

I LOVE Christmas, it is truly my most favorite time of the year! I love getting wrapped up in the joy of the season, the magic that rides in the air, the laughter, and the excitement of the children. Granted, I only have one right now, but he is excited! As are my nephews and all my friends' kids.

I know that there are so many debates as to what is "ok" and "christian" these days, in regards to Christmas. To Santa or not to Santa? Christmas tree or no? Then all of the more "little" things like what to cook for Christmas dinner, and how much money to spend on gifts this year.

When it all comes down to it though, I think I have realized that it doesn't matter. Really, truly, doesn't matter.

I was listening to the XM radio on TV the other day and was cruising around the internet at the same time. The song "Joy to the world" came on. I had to stop and listen, and just soak it in because it recaptured the whole point. The reason, the existence of Christmas. his amazing joyful time of year. Here are the lyrics, edited to remove the repeating lines.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And heaven and nature sing, Joy to the world, the Savior reigns! Let men their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains Repeat the sounding joy, No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found, He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness, And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Beautiful isn't it? So many parts of this song just resonated with me. Especially the first four lines. The whole of Christmas is summed up in them.
Joy to the World, the Lord is come- Christmas is about Joy, the joy of Christ coming!
Let earth receive her King- This makes me think about the number of celebrations that have developed nations as a child was born to a King and Queen. Elaborate feasts, and rejoicing in the streets. How much more since the King of the entire world has now come?
Let every heart prepare Him room- I guess this is "key" to understanding the whole season!

As absolutely wonderful as Christmas is, and it so is, ultimately it is the prelude to Easter. That season doesn't even come close to Christmas for the joy and magical-ness, but it is equally important, and also depicted in the song.

Want to see a great video of the song?