The Spirit Of Christmas

I really enjoy the Christmas theme shows and movies that come on each year about this time. And a special thank you goes out to that person who invented a way to record them, since I would miss so many if I couldn't. I have to admit, that very few of these shows have anything to do with the real meaning of Christmas, and fewer yet share much about the birth of Jesus, but they do portray the spirit of the season in a good light. In most cases there will be someone that doesn't care about Christmas and wishes it to be over with soon. And there will also be those who are excited about what is taking place and how it has changed the hearts of people - at least for a little while. Why it is that grumpy people become bearable during Christmas? Why is it that tight wads begin to loosen up their purse strings during Christmas? Why is it that people in general seem to have a positive change in their attitudes during Christmas? Maybe it is the Christmas Spirit. Man, by his very nature, is selfish. I know there are exceptions to this, but we would have to admit that generally speaking that is the case. I think that the change that takes place is a result of one of two things. For the Christian, we now have a new nature because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within us. That new nature is a Divine nature that allows us and prompts us to do what God would have us to do. The interesting thing is that we also see a change take place in those who are not saved. This would be from outward influence rather that inward indwelling. People are just moved by the generosity of others and it stirs them to become that way as well. So, let's use our indwelling to have an influence on a lost world, so that they may see and feel that wonderful Christmas Spirit.