Steve Alessi: Author of Alessi’s Angle, Pastor of Metro Life Church in Miami, Husband of World Renown Worship Leader Mary Alessi and Father of Four.
Kids always get asked this question at the holidays: "What do you want Santa to bring you this year?" They usually reply with answers like, a pony, a Barbie doll, a race car, Halo the video game, and on and on it goes. I remember one Christmas when one of my kids asked for a Chia pet! Strange gift I know, but it turned out surprisingly, to be a fun gift.
My husband Steve always asks me what I want for Christmas and depending upon how much money I've spent in November at Black Friday sales I know how to answer appropriately: "Oh, nothing in particular. I'm good." ;-) Clothes and jewelry, technology gadgets and iPhones don't really top my list as things I "have to have" this year.
In light of the tragic event last week in Newtown, Conn., we are all answering that question – "What do I want for Christmas" – a little less selfishly this year. I know for most of us it's hard to even celebrate when you know there are people who are suffering such devastating loss only miles away from us.
When I heard the news a thought jumped out at me. I began to think about when Jesus was born and how Pharaoh had issued a decree that all the children under two be killed. It was in an effort to intercept a messiah that had been prophesied that if born, he thought would end His rule. He not only killed precious children, he terrorized a nation. To think that hope was born in a time when there was so much fear is incredible. It shows us that no matter how dark or horrific things may be, there is still hope.
And that's what I want for Christmas. I want people to know, now more than ever, that there is hope for this world. Jesus' birth was because the Father desperately wanted us to have life and to enjoy it; not to live in fear and discouragement. That revelation energizes me and lets me see that Christmas is a celebration. So, celebrate big this year.
How do you make your Christmas Rock? Here are a few ways:
1. Invite someone you know to a Rockin’ Christmas service – there are a lot of them to choose from this year! (www.metrolifechurch.com)
2. Take your family to see Christmas lights and take pictures to share the fun.
3. Hug your kids a little tighter.
4. Be nicer to your in-laws ;-)
5. Take time to appreciate all that God has done for you this year.
What about you? What do you want for Christmas?
This is a great way to view Christmas this year. I have been heart broken since the events accord in Newtown. My spirit feels defeated and i dont have the words to express myself. I thank God for Metro Life and the 12 days of Christmas that are distracting my thoights away from tragedy and towards the fun im having with mu beautiful daughter and wife. Merry Christmas to all and God bless!!!
Great Blog Pastor! As always talking straight to the heart! All I want for Christmas I have what a blessing to even say that..it helped that my bday was only 3 weeks ago and i was SPOILED with a plethora of gifts for a whole week ;)! But,my wish if I had one is that my being cheery and pumping JESUS BORN ON CHRISTMAS DAY in my office well that it reaches out to those that have yet to know HIM personally and this Christmas their hearts will be filled with HIS LOVE AND GRACE!
Beautiful way of looking at that horrific happening in the Bible. Thanks and a hope filled Christmas to you all. I Corinthians 13:13a