About a life beyond Christmas�

Matthew 7:8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (NIV)

Many people "come alive" during the Christmas season. All the planning, activities, decorating, giving of gifts, special music, and special times of worship make the Christmas season a special time for many. However, during the Christmas season we must remember to keep the joy and hope of Christmas going during the rest of the year. Thinking of others, gathering with others, sending cards, giving to others, and living in thanksgiving for Christ coming into the world not only can be done the rest of the year, but must also be done the rest of the year. If we are to witness about Christ to others, our most effective witness is living like the Christmas season exists all year long. As Christians, our special "something" non-believers find attractive is how we carry the spirit of Christ. During the month of December, we call the spirit of Christ "the Christmas spirit." The joy and peace we carry "in the Christmas spirit" as Christians is not to be reserved for the month of December. The joy and peace we carry "in the Christmas spirit" is to be shared with others every day of the year.