This morning I came down into the lobby of my apartment building and saw a box of muffins and doughnuts. People were mingling next to the box, sipping coffee and greeting one another. I looked into the entrance to our building and saw at least 25 large wreaths stacked on top of each other. I found out that these people are members of the Providence Preservation Society, and are decorating our downtown area for Christmas. Everyone is invited to come and take a stroll through downtown this coming weekend and enjoy the Christmas decorations. I love this time of year. It's a season of love, joy, and giving. Later on in the morning, as I was in church, I found myself wondering how many people in our city are excited, happy, and in a celebrating mood, because Jesus was born about this time of year around 2,000 years ago. Is that why they're decorating?

There is a well-known saying which says, "Jesus is the reason for the season". Our capital city has a population of approximately 180,000. Most every home will have a Christmas tree. Many homes will have candles in the windows and wreaths on the front doors. On Christmas Eve people will get out of work early, and Christmas Day will be a holiday. Almost everyone will exchange gifts.

Imagine how great it would be if our whole city celebrated the birth of Jesus this Christmas! Imagine if all the lights, wreaths, trees, and gifts were in honor of Him! Jesus coming to earth is a real reason to celebrate! His name means God saves! When Jesus came to earth, God came to earth! The Scripture says, "...'and they shall call His name Immanuel', which translated means, 'God with us'" (Matthew 1:23). Jesus came to save us from our sins. He came to bring us into a loving relationship with God. The Bible says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Jesus was the first and greatest Christmas gift ever. Have you ever received Jesus as your Savior? He's the gift God offers to you this Christmas. It's the most wonderful time of the year!