When most of us think of celebrating Christmas we think of being in our home with family and friends coming or going to another home where people we love will be gathering.  Throughout our nation there are families whose plans have been changed when they realize one of their members will be in the hospital for Christmas.  I have talked with some of those families.  I was expecting the conversations to possibly focus on how the hospitalization would have a negative effect on their plans.

To my pleasant surprise they talked about how the main point of Christmas is having Christ in your heart, and what better place to have Christ in your heart than when you are in a hospital with an intentional focus on being healed.  Their observation is so correct, even though we place so much emphasis on wrapping and opening gifts, preparing special foods, and enjoying sentimental decorations – these things are not the meaning or purpose of Christmas.  Christmas is a time to cherish the gift of Jesus Christ and give God thanks for what has been done for the world through Christ.  I am thankful as a Chaplain that I had the opportunity to see families remind me of this lesson as I have visited with them this week.  To all my readers, I wish you a Merry Christmas wherever you will be celebrating the day!