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How to have a meaningful Christmas

Here's quick recap of GBCK's Christmas Conspiracy series that looked at four keys to keeping the true meaning of Christmas alive.

1. Remember the Reason:  It all starts with Jesus; no Jesus, no Christmas.  Remembering the birth of Jesus isn't merely a historical exercise.  It's remembering that the King of the Universe radically broke into humanity in order to redeem his creation back to himself.  Jesus came so we can know God.

2. Give Presence:  Presence cannot be given in a box with a bow.  Presence is simply the gift of relationships; it's being near to those whom you love, and to those who are far from God.  You can't buy presence in a store, it's given with your life.

3. Mind Your Margins:  We can lose the meaning of Christmas under an avalanche of busyness.  By making sure we have extra space (margins) in our lives we allow refreshment for our souls.  We clear our minds for a moment for reflection and gratitude.

4. Live with Hope:  Sin is hopeless. Jesus came because we were in a hopeless situation.  Jesus came so that we can believe that tomorrow will be better than today.  We can rely on the One from whom all hope and comfort comes.  Jesus is the anchor of hope for our souls. (Hebrews 6:19)