Christmas is visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads; lots of parties; an annual season of goodwill; numerous trips to the mall; and pulling out hair because of myriad things to do.
Well, for many people it is.
However, Christmas is much more than that. It is when we remember one of the greatest miracles ever performed. God saw his children's plight. He saw their suffering. He saw how lost they were. He saw how they were so steeped in sin they would never get out alone.
So this universe's creator came to Earth himself, in person. Stop to think about it.
God was born into this world just like one of us. He went through the childhood rites of passage just like one of us. He taught us, lived among us and demonstrated his deep love for us.
That is the miracle of Christmas.
I challenge you to think about the magnitude of what God did 2,000-plus years ago. I am sure when you garner the act's full importance, you will be swept away in wonder.
The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Consider the true meaning of Christmas