By Rick Sibert                                                                                                                                    January 2009  

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Whether it is the Letterman’s version, or the popular Andy Williams, or my personal preference - Johnny Mathis - I always look forward to the renditions of one of my favorite seasonal songs - “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”  With “jingle belling”, “marshmallows for toasting,” and of course, “much mistletoeing,” it puts a smile on my face and gets me in the mood for the holidays! 

Survey’s show every year that Christmas is indeed the most wonderful time of the year - the most favored holiday of them all.  But why? Is it the promise of snow?  I’m sure that plays a part.  But I have spent Christmases in Hawaii and southern California and still looked forward to the season with the same anticipation.

Most people would say that it is the time with family and family traditions that make it so special.  Again, I’m sure that’s a big part of it all.  But I  believe I know the reason above all that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year:  As the human race, we spend eleven months of the year mostly concerned with ourselves!  And then for one month, most of us become others centered.  Our focus shifts off of our own situations and circumstances, away from our own “needs” and we pay attention to what those around us are going through and what their needs are. 

I notice it myself.  Being a pastor, I am by definition a “people person.” As pastors, we are in the people business.  We are supposed to care about others and invest ourselves into the lives of others.  But if truth be told, I can be as self centered as the next guy.  I can ignore the lady in the check out line who is trying to engage me in conversation because I’m in a hurry and just need to get my purchase and go!  I can be impatient when the light has turned and the car in front of me hasn’t moved.  (Both examples of a guy who is a little too concerned about himself and his own desires!)  I can also be short with a co-worker because my only concern at that moment is the project moving forward.  But during this season especially I try to slow down and talk to that person who needs me to talk to them - or just needs me to listen.... I lay off the horn and allow the Lord to work patience into me....I endeavor to be others centered....and how freeing and wonderful it really is!

Of course, our daily (not just seasonal) example of this lifestyle is Jesus Himself, who is described by the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians as our “indescribable gift.”  One of the passages of Scripture I turn to often is Philippians 2:5-11: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bond-servant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He  humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.  Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Being others-centered beats in the heart of God who gave - as our indescribable gift - His only Son.  How much more can we care about our fellow man?....

I am also aware that during this season there is much sadness, and that not everyone thinks it is the “most wonderful” time of the year.  Strained  family relationships are magnified.  The lonely become more lonely.  The depressed sink deeper into their void.  But if that is you - take heart, there is a cure, and the process can begin for you right now!  What is that cure?  Simply take that first step by taking your focus off of yourself.  Self centeredness (pride) is the root of our indwelling sin nature.  Every other sin springs forth from it.  One of my beloved teachers in Bible College, Paul Caram says we have no reason to be proud because:

a) We were created by another,

b) We have a sinful nature that we cannot change,

c) We have no ability or power but what God has granted, 

d) We cannot control our own destiny or guide ourselves. 

He writes, “Pride is concentration upon ME. (My will, my ways, my ideas, what I want...and it pushes God off the throne).” (Caram 1993, 9 Caram, Paul G. Victory over the Self Centered Life. Ulysses, PA.) By reaching out and giving to others we become strong!  We become unselfish!  We become cheerful and encouraging.  We become self deprecating and gentle.  If you doubt me, give it a try.  Money back guarantee. 

I do love this time of year.  I love being around family.  I love the parties.  I love singing the carols.  I love to see peoples expressions when they open the gifts I give.  Most of all, this time of the year is most wonderful because I take my eyes off of myself and intentionally put it onto others.  I’ll try to make it last more than a month this time - how about you?

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Editor’s Note:  Eternal Perspective is a monthly feature of Calvary Chapel Columbus and the commentary of Pastor Rick Sibert, focusing on living a Godly life in the midst of an ungodly world.