What is the Spirit of Christmas?

Have you ever wondered about this spirit of Christmas that we speak about at this time of year? I think I discovered it in Taiwan.

Several years ago, right before Christmas I was in Taiwan for business. Taiwan is not a Christian country so I was pleasantly surprised to see symbols of Christmas in the airport, listening to music, stores and hotel. At first I thought, "yet again commercialism takes over the real meaning of Christmas.". But then I noticed symbolism that I did not normally notice. For example: the evergreen tree representing everlasting life of Christ.

Candy canes representing shepherd's crook. 

Lights...the light of Christ. 

Star...the star of Bethlehem. 

Songs with messages of Christ's birth. And so forth. 

Here I was on the other side of the world noticing much of the symbolism that I had forgotten over the years and I was feeling the spirit of Christmas.  While I was thinking about this, I was reminded of a scripture in the bible that reads:

"That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.". John 1:9. 

If all of us are born with the light of Christ, is it possible that the Spirit of Christmas is the light of Christ burning a little brighter in all of us? Consider this. During the Christmas season we are singing songs about God and Christ. We are giving gifts. We are spending time with friends and family who we don't normally see which in many cases leads to softened hearts and forgiveness. We are looking at the symbols all around us from lights to trees. What is happening? Again, I think it is the light of Christ burning a little brighter within each of us.

So next time we look at the commercial aspect of Christmas, let us remember that even that is still  releasing the Spirit of Christmas.  

Merry Christmas!