Merry Christmas, dear Jesus

As I wrote in my last column, oftentimes the deepest and most important things in life are the simplest. Think of the love you have for someone in your life: your child, your mate, a parent, or a dear friendship. One does not need to go deep to explain how they feel. They are devoted to that person.

It is the same with the love Christmas represents. It is a time of delight, fellowship, forgiveness, hope. I have a sign by my front door that shows baby Jesus swaddled in a manger. It reads: "Christmas, pure and simple." Yes, plainly put, Christmas is about the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is easy to explain.

As you celebrate Christmas tonight and tomorrow, take a moment to think about love. As you look at those you will visit with this holiday, take a moment to memorize their faces, fix them in your heart. Appreciate the time you have together, because relationships are priceless. As humans we were created in the image of God to grow and live in relationship with others.

This season my mother retires after 20 years in service with Glendale Unified School District's Food Services Department. I am so proud of her. Retirement is one of life's most difficult transitions. I encouraged her by saying, "Mom, enjoy these years. At the end of our lives we can all take a moment to reflect on our regrets. They will not be: 'I should have worked more.' They will be such thoughts as, 'I wish I spent more time with those I love.' Live life this way."

So tonight and tomorrow remember the relationships that are most important to you. As you pass around your gifts, remember why we celebrate this season. It is Jesus' birthday. Do not forget to give him a gift, the gift of remembrance, gratitude, reading of the Bible, and prayer. How would you feel if on your birthday everyone was acknowledged but you? Let us never treat our Savior in this manner. Let us celebrate our relationship with him vocally and thankfully.

And as you celebrate that relationship, rejoice in the other relationships God has given you. But most of all, thank you Jesus for the gift of yourself and the life you give us through your sacrifice.

* The Rev. KIMBERLIE ZAKARIAN can be reached by e-mail at holyhouse9aol.com or by mail at Holy House Ministries c/o the Rev. Kimberlie Zakarian, 9641 Tujunga Canyon Blvd., Tujunga, CA 91042.

20051224gxo5zfkeNo Caption