"The Christmas Spirit"

     The "Christmas Spirit".  Have you ever used that term?  You know what I mean.  That once a year feeling you get when you feel the positive excitement of Christmas.  Lights.  Gifts.  Family.  Snow.  Decorations.  All the above!  It can bring the "Christmas Spirit".  
      This week I received a text from one of our congregation members that made me very excited!  This is what it read:
"Pastor, I was thinking of Sunday and this week, how powerful scripture is.  It comes to mind 'God is with us'.   How powerful to think of that.  No matter what we face, where we are, time of day...in joy and sorrow.  God is with us, what a gift our savior gave us.  No matter the situation, 'God is with us'".  
       When I read the text my first thought was "that is the Christmas Spirit".   They get it!  They've seen the truth of scripture!  Jesus came to earth, born in Bethlehem of the virgin Mary,  to be the savior of those that will receive him.  He is there for us at all times, every day, every season, every moment!  Wow!  That's the beauty, excitement, and the wonder of Christmas.  That's the "Christmas Spirit"!
         So today I send you this word of encouragement:  God is with us.  Jesus has the time, the patience, and the compassion to listen to you today.   Yes.   Emmanuel.   God is with us.  
-Pastor Jeff Carico