What makes Christmas happen?
What makes Christmas “happen” for you? Where does the joy of the season come alive in youIs it in the carols? The celebrations? The candlelight services? The music of the Advent season? Perhaps you find it in the shopping and gift-giving. 
Maybe you see the love of the season in the sparkling eyes of a child or feel it in a loved one’s hug.
Whatever it is, during this holiday season with all its frenzied festivities, stop and remember that night in the stable, those mingled smells of animals and hay, that pain and subsequent joy in the birth of one small Child. Breathe deep and feel with Mary, with Joseph, the shepherds, the angels. Feel the birth of Jesus. What is it to experience such joy, such peace?
Verbally express to someone close to you what the birth of Christ means to you at this point in your life. Be joyful! Experience God’s love and peace.
— Anonymous
