But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (I Peter 3:15)

During this season, more than all others, the "Reason" can be hard to focus on for even those with the strongest faith. Television floods our homes with commercialized Christmas advertisements and programming. Radio fills the airwaves with seasonal songs, many of which fail to even mention the "Reason" for the season. Workplaces are full of hustle and bustle trying to get ahead so everyone can take a few days off without the business losing money. Parties, pageants, cantatas, plays, programs, shopping, wrapping, planning, cooking, baking, greeting . . . and the list goes on. Time is soon snuffed out and there is none left to devote quality time with the "Reason" for the season.

Although rarely recognized as a seasonal song, "We Are the Reason" shares a message pointing to the REASON for this season, a reason for hope, a reason for life, a reason for love!

We Are the Reason
by David Meece

As little children we would dream of Christmas morn
And all the gifts and toys
We knew we'd find, but we never realized
A baby boy, one blessed night
Gave us the greatest gift of our life

Chorus

We are the reason that He gave His life
We are the reason Jesus suffered and died
To a world that was lost
He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live

As the years went by, we learned more of our gifts
And giving of ourselves and what they mean
On a dark and cloudy day
A man hung dying in the rain
Because of love, because of love
Because of love Chorus

Every time I see the cross
I'm reminded that He gave His life
For you and me... Chorus

We are the reason but
He is the reason we live

There was hustle and bustle in the heavenlies when this miracle Christ-child was born, the baby who, through His birth, life, death, and resurrection, gave us the greatest gift of our life. On that memorable night, every bit of busy-ness was directly related to the birth of the Savior.

It was indeed a holy night, but silent? It is doubtful. The skies were ablaze with angelic beings praising and glorifying God for the event they had just witnessed; the manger where He lay was noisome with the animals that more than likely recognized the awesomeness of the Visitor to their humble stable.

Take a deep breath, sit down and relax, and spend that much needed time in reflection of who the "Reason" for the season truly is and what He has done for you. Make one more list: count your blessings and begin to praise the Lord for the work He has done in you, for you, through you this past year. Then give a gift to a friend that costs nothing. Tell them about the precious King of kings and Lord of lords that you serve with joy and gladness. Give them a gift that will last forever—give them the gift of eternal life by introducing them to the "Reason for the Season."

Lord, as I consider all that fills every moment of every day, I am alarmingly aware that, as hard as I try not to, I can get caught up in the busyness of these days. Lord, You are the REASON for my hope …the REASON for this season and every season. Help me to keep my focus on the Word made flesh who came to earth and dwelt among us, who eternally lives and reigns in Majesty, amen and amen!

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved