CHRISTMAS MAGIC
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CHRISTMAS MAGIC? By Anne Donegan Costas
The Birth of Christ
I enjoy the Magic Christmas brings. The lights, the food, the joy we see in the faces of people we meet, giving gifts to my grandchildren, and celebrating the birth of my Savior, Jesus Christ. Cold weather brings an extra treat making it feel like Christmas.
MAGIC IN CHRISTMAS
I so enjoy watching Christmas specials on the Hallmark channel. They can never start too early for me. I watch them over and over. One thing I noticed this year more than in the past was the number of times many of the movies talked about the “magic” of Christmas. There is magic in Christmas for me, but it totally has to do with Christ and the Magi, the star, the finding a place for Mary and Joseph the night she gives birth and more. When the movie has the true meaning of Christmas in the story line then using the word magic, for me, is appropriate. But, I wonder about all the children/people viewing who do not know the true story of Christmas. What do they think the magic is and where it comes from? Are they looking for something that is of earthly value rather than eternal?
ADVENT
I enjoy starting during ADVENT preparing for the birth of Christ and the 12 days of Christmas. Yes, there really are 12 days of Christmas. I guess that is why seeing the early programming of Christmas specials, or stores putting out gifts in their stores early does not bother me. I think of Advent as a time to prepare my heart for the birth of Christ. This means special prayers, lighting candles and thinking about making my heart right with God. But it also means, for me, preparing my home for Christmas and the arrival of the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes. By Christmas Day I want all the stockings hung, the trees decorated, the lights around my doors and the poinsettias in place. Gifts wrapped, some cooking ready and Christmas cards sent.
THIS YEAR
This year was especially significant because I had a new grandchild to celebrate and one of my children was returning to Texas after being gone for a year from the states. These, of course, are not my only reasons for celebration, but they were way at the top of my list. Another significant memory is a child’s face when they receive a gift. I am not sure at what age that face changes, but until it does, I so enjoy watching the surprise, the awe, the sheer joy at the magic Christmas brings. One of my grandchildren one year exclaimed after opening every single gift, “This is exactly what I wanted.”
REMEMBERING
I want to remember the true meaning of Christmas and be that person who helps others find the real reason for the Magic of Christmas. Let us remember to read the story of the birth of Christ on Christmas Day so our loved ones remember with us why we celebrate. Let us give to others who might not be as warm or comfortable as we are Christmas morning.
If we remember these things then we have found the real magic of Christmas.
https://www.christmasmagic.org