CELEBRATING
CHRISTMAS ANYTIME

Topics: Advent; Attitudes; Celebration; Christmas; Happiness; Holidays; Joy

References: Matthew 8:17; Hebrews 2:4

I was waiting to see my doctor in June when an older couple arrived. “Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!” the gentleman said to everyone in the waiting room. His enthusiasm was infectious.

Most of the patients ignored the outburst, but I decided to respond, “Merry Christmas to you too!”

Sensing a sympathetic ear, the wife quietly said, “It started this past year. For no reason, my husband would get the Christmas spirit. At first we dismissed it, but then we realized how much joy it brought him. So we started decorating the house, singing carols, having a spur-of-the-moment celebration.

“You know, after doing this a number of times, we look forward to it. Christmas can come anytime, anyplace. It’s always a pleasant surprise.”

—Donald Castle, Lombard, Illinois