Into the Fire

Five reasons I love Christmas:

Jesus is the reason for the season. That He would come to experience manhood, to live humanity while being God, is unbelievable but grandiose and supernatural. He is real. He is Love. And celebrating His birth is the ultimate exercise in humility and joy.

Buying gifts. I can't tell you how much fun I have finding just the right presents. Nothing is more fun than giving gifts.

Christmas lights. I don't care how few or how many, I love seeing them.

Christmas trees, the colors red and green, and decorations that honor the true meaning of Christmas. 

Christmas carols – the real ones with meaningful recitations of our Savior's birth. One of my top more contemporary favorites:

Jesus, there are no words to thank you enough. For coming to earth, for saving the world if they choose to acknowledge you, for taking our sins upon your sinless self to pay the penalty of death for each one of us. I cannot imagine the pain you endured for me. I'm desperate for you and eternally grateful. I love you, Lord. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.