With ugly sweaters, cookie baking, all the shopping, “holiday” parties, etc., it’s easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas and the real reason to celebrate. But, if you take the time to look, there are many reminders pointing to Jesus and His gift to the world. Here are a few ways you can look for Christ this Christmas.
Lights & Candles:
It seems that everywhere you turn this season you will spot a candle or Christmas lights. These lights can remind you of the light of the world.
John 8:12—When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Each time you see a candle or Christmas lights, remember that Jesus is the source of all light and strive to share that light with others.
Matthew 5:16—In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Christmas Trees:
The evergreen trees used to celebrate Christmas can point your thoughts to Christ in several ways. First, the ability for these trees to remain green in the coldest, harshest winters reminds you to not lose hope and points to the everlasting life that Jesus offers.
John 3:16—For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Second, the needles of the evergreen Christmas tree point towards heaven and remind you to keep your eyes focused on Jesus.
Psalm 16:8—I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
And finally, consider the symbolism of the Christmas tree that is cut down, but then erected again and how that mirrors Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Luke 24:6-7—He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’
Let each Christmas tree you see bring you peace and hope knowing God’s grace covers you through the sacrifice of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Candy Canes:
This simple sweet treat is a great reminder of Christ’s love and care for you. The red stripes can remind you of the blood He shed while the white stripes remind of His purity. The shape of the candy cane is that of a shepherd’s staff, drawing your mind to the Good Shepherd.
John 10:14-15—”I am the Good Shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
Psalm 23—The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me on paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Mistletoe:
Here’s something you may not know about this Christmas staple. Mistletoe is an aerial parasite with no roots of its own. It attaches to a host tree or shrub through which it extracts water and nutrients. Without the host plant, the mistletoe will die. So, this year, when you see mistletoe hanging, remember Jesus words:
John 15:5— “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me an I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
From our pharmacy family to your family, we wish you a very merry, Christ-filled Christmas!
*These statements are culmination of the knowledge and experience of the team at Norland Pharmacy. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare provider with questions concerning any medical condition or treatment. Compounded medications are not reviewed by the FDA for safety or efficacy. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.