I really hate Christmas.

Sometimes.

But for real. Last Christmas Eve I wrote in my journal, "I think i'd rather not celebrate it". 

You might not believe me. I wouldn't blame you. My favorite movie of all times is Elf, I put up my Christmas tree this year before Halloween, I've worn my tacky Christmas sweater twice this week just because I really like it, and I have an Will Ferrell "Elf" bobblehead that I carry around with me every time I leave the country. 

Soooooo really you have no reason at all to come to think of me as a Grinch when it comes to Christmas, but sometimes I wish Christmas wasn't a thing. 

Two of my last three Christmases I spent in a hotel room in East Asia. There were no presents, none of my Grammy's delicious cream puffs, and only a two minute phone call with my family in the states. I think those were two of the best days of my life.

This isn't my attempt at trying to convict you for buying too many presents. I'm not posting this because I have a problem with you eating too much and spending the day with your family in a nice comfy house. We've already established that I'm one of those crazy people that starts celebrating Christmas way before it's socially acceptable. I'm writing this because I'm scared. I'm scared I'm forgetting. 

When you don't have anything or anyone any you feel alone, you're more likely to realize your need for Jesus. But what happens when you have everything you want? What happens when you're sitting in your house with your entire family and you're unwrapping presents and eating more food than your stomach can handle? Do you forget?

This morning at the Austin Stone, Matt Carter reminded me that if Christmas was only about the birth of Jesus, it wouldn't be worth celebrating at all. 

Nobody has a problem with the fact that Jesus was born. People don't get offended if you believe that Jesus was a real man that loved others and lived a good life.

But that isn't the gospel. 

It's pointless to celebrate the birth of Jesus if you don't recognize the cross.

Jesus was born knowing that the only point of his human life was die on a cross to take away our sins and restore our relationship with God. Christmas is so much more than the birth of Jesus. It's the birth of a Savior. 

Born that man no more may die.

Born to raise the sons of earth.

Born to give them second birth.

Hark! The herald angels sing. 

"Glory to the newborn King!"

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12.