December brings a different excitement, energy and hope to our home and lives. There are so many "things to do" to make this year the best it can be. Each year is different. So many families have been changed and forever altered because of the events in our country. Some family members have died. Others are on assignment and gone from home. Yet there is hope! Other families have changed because they have grown in number. Each of us does experience change. How we respond to this change is vital.

The celebration of Christmas must first remind us of Jesus' birth. On our list of "things to do," we must not forget the person whose birth we celebrate. Jesus is God's gift to us. Jesus is God's answer to the needs of our lives. Scripture says, "For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a savior, who is Christ the Lord." God sent his Son so that we might have a relationship with Him. Celebrating Christmas properly would include renewing and reminding us that He is worthy of our worship. Making plans to hear a choir sing, to see a Christmas program, or a children's program will help to remind us that we are a blessed people. This is the right time to return to our faith.

Celebration of Christmas must also include our families. On our list of "things to do," family members should rank high. I have often found that some of the best gifts I've ever received were those that people gave of themselves. Maybe this year we would benefit the most by taking time to express our love and gratitude first. Make a list of people who have loved you and influenced your life. We have no guarantees of tomorrow, so take today to express what they mean to you. We all love to be told we are loved. A card of gratitude may be the best gift you can give and that they could receive. Christmas is a time to celebrate Love-Love of God and love of families.

Children are a great window of expression of Christmas. Their faith is simple and secure. It is always encouraging to see their excitement and anticipation. They are not easily hindered by circumstances; they just believe. Their smiles are contagious. Somehow, somewhere on your list of "things to do," plan to allow children to give you some of their joy and excitement. They have enough for everyone. Let the children around you be a blessing. We often are greatly affected by the environment we are in.

Christmas is a time of making memories. Memories remind us of home, families, blessings and some of our fondest moments. It is appropriate that we plan this year put it on the "things to do" list to make new and unforgettable memories. We are building our future and planning enhances the outcome. The things you do will make a difference. So how will Christmas 2002 be remembered at your house?

Celebration of Christmas should also include our friends. Those people who love us or tolerate us even though we are not necessarily family. A person who has many friends is truly blessed. The Scripture says, "A friend loveth at all times." We all have people who have supported and encouraged us through "all times." On your list of "things to do" write their names and be a friend to them. Scripture again says, "A man who hath friends must show himself friendly."

Gifts are also a part of Christmas. We all like to receive gifts. Gifts are a way that we express ourselves to others. Sometimes we focus more on the gift than we do the giver. The gift is never more important than the giver. On your list of "things to do," remind yourself to appreciate the person more than the gift. The gift of the person can last a lifetime. What material gift compares to that?

Christmas is a time of celebration, but it doesn't have to be limited to just one day a year. It can be an approach, an attitude of gratefulness that permeates every day of our lives. When God gave us his son, He said He would be called "Immanuel," which means "God with us." He is with us all the time. Because of this truth, our faith provides strength in our hour of need. On my list of "things to do," I remind myself that God is with me every day. These basic "things to do" are what life is about and makes Christmas worth celebrating-Merry Christmas!

Rev. Paul Hicks is the pastor of Murdale Baptist Church in Carbondale and a member of Egyptian Electric Cooperative's board of directors.

The opinions and views of guest commentators are their own and may not represent those of the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives or the electric coops of Illinois.

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