The Christmas Spirit

I recently posted on question on FaceBook asking people how they would explain the Christmas spirit. Several different people responded with different answers. Most dealing with an attitude of selflessness and love.

I do remember a time decades ago when I was overcome by the Christmas Spirit, but I have to admit, that I have not had the “Christmas Spirit” for several years.  This year I sensed the Christmas Spirit more than I have in a long time and I think I know why. As I pondered the Christmas Spirit this season, this is how I would describe the “Christmas Spirit”.

christmas_spirit

Gifts left for a family on Christmas Eve, sharing the Christmas Spirit

Let me shock some people and say that it has “nothing” to do with the birth of Jesus. It is an overwhelming, inexplicable joy that embraces you and all of the symbols, songs, TV specials, etc give you a warm feeling inside. Nothing can get you down and you see warmth and happiness everywhere. When you say “Merry Christmas”, it isn’t making a religious statement, but it is sharing the love and warmth of the season. Giving gifts, sending Christmas cards and the like becomes an outpouring of that love and not an obligation.

So why doesn’t everyone experience this Christmas spirit? Here are some things that I think are Christmas spirit “killers”:

  • SchedulePeople can get busy, over-scheduled so that Christmas is just another busy day. Even serving in a church, planning the various Christmas services and programs can rob one of the Christmas Spirit. Having Christmas last more than just the one day helps people embrace the Christmas Spirit.
  • FinancesThe holidays puts pressure on people to give gifts, especially to children. When finances are tight, or non-existent, to purchase gifts, people are unable to show love to others in that way and robs them of the spirit as they feel inadequate.
  • Relationshipsespecially if you’ve lost a loved one around the holidays. All types of relationship changes can be Christmas Spirit killers. Divorce, separation, a disagreement with another family member, and more which makes the holidays different than others as you spend them alone, missing time with family.
  • The “War” on ChristmasWhen we spend too much time declaring the need to keep Christ in Christmas that we forget that it is a time to share His love to others.

Ultimately, I think the Christmas Spirit comes from the Holy Spirit as it gives us hope for the future, which was fulfilled by the child born in a manger. Also as it shows us how we should really love one another.

So how about you? How would you define “Christmas Spirit”?What are some other Christmas Spirit “killers” and when was the last time you truly had the “Christmas Spirit”?