It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As Christians, it can be easy to become cynical about the commercialization of the holidays and the threat to take Christ out of Christmas. But there are some undeniable blessings that fall upon each of us during December. Not only do many of us get to spend quality time with family and friends that we don’t normally get to see, but we also have the privilege of showering our loved ones with gifts. Just like Acts 20:35 says, “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

And even though it can be frustrating to listen to the same Christmas songs over and over from Halloween until New Year’s, let’s not forget the message that they’re singing out. The third verse of Oh Holy Night, a poem written in the mid 1800s has always been a favorite of mine:

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

So the next time you’re in the shopping mall and one of these hymns comes over the speaker, think about the fact that through those songs the Gospel is being shared. Send up a prayer of thankfulness that celebrating our Savior’s birth provides the perfect opportunity for sharing His love with others. And in the spirit of sharing His love, we thank you all for a wonderful 2013 and wish God’s richest blessings for our customers, authors, staff members and community. Merry Christmas!