During Christmas, I get a little crazy. I put up the tree early (some say too early!) I get the star shower out and light up the exterior of the bell house. On the air, I almost officially change my name to Bob “Jingle” Bell. I probably eat too much candy (Reese Cups are my favorite!). I love to listen to Christmas music. I am just a Christmas connoisseur. My wife on the other hand, though she is not a scrooge, would be just fine if we wait until one week before Christmas to put up the tree and decorate. That’s the way it has been for the past 33 years, until this year. I am so happy to say that Mrs. Bell has come around to my way of thinking. Two weeks before Thanksgiving, my wife wanted me to put up the Christmas tree! I looked deeply into here beautiful blue eyes and said, “Who are you and what have you done with my wife?”. Now don’t et me wrong, I was very happy about this new development. But I also knew she had wonderful motives. You see, some children we knew who have had a tough life are getting ready to get adopted by their foster parents. My wife wanted to celebrate with them early. These children are getting a new life. Christmas is about new life. A reminder that the Son of God, came to seek and to save that which is lost. My wife’s heart was so moved by the life change these children are about to undergo, brought out the early Christmas in her. I got to tell you, this is fun to watch. My wife is almost giving me a run for my money, in Christmas overexposure… and I love it! Those of us who belong to Christ, need to realize that we have been adopted. Christmas is the amazing miracle of God taking on the very form of man (Philippians 2: 5-11). You see, we were dead in our trespasses and sin according to Ephesians but because of his rich love for us, God made us alive in Christ. That fact alone, is enough to keep our lights on all year round. And a Christmas Carol becomes a light song.
To those of you who listen to the Bob Bell Show, may your Christmas be merry and your heart be free to worship the king of kings. After all, the word Christmas means worship of Christ. Today, read Luke Chapter 2 one more time. And this time, it will have more meaning to you then it ever has.
Just to finish this off, allow me to suggest some great Christmas viewing.
- The Muppet Christmas Carol
- it’s a Wonderful Life
- The Charlie Brown Christmas Special
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas (cartoon & movie because let’s face it, Jim Carrey did a great job)
- And if you have any time left all those silly made for TV movies on Hallmark.
Merry Christmas – from Bob and Meg “Jingle” Bell