I’m Dreaming of a Right Christmas

In 1942, one of the most popular Christmas songs, “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas,” was introduced in the movie, “White Christmas.” Over 500 different artists have sung it, but the favorite has been Bing Crosby.

Living in Alabama, I can dream of a white Christmas, but probably won’t see one. There hasn’t been a white Christmas in Montgomery, Alabama since 1919. That’s 105 years ago. It would be foolish to be expecting a white Christmas this year, but I can sing “I’m dreaming of a right Christmas”—and expect with certainty a right Christmas this year and every year. A right Christmas is the result of what some Wise Men did two thousand years ago.

Here are six keys to having a right Christmas. They come from Matthew 2:9-12.

1. FIND THE STAR–“We saw His star in the East.” (v 9) There were a lot of stars out that night and a lot of people looking at the heavens, but only the Wise Men saw the most important star.
   There are a lot of bright lights and activities at Christmas, but you must see the most important star. 
2. FOLLOW THE STAR–“The star went on before them.” (v 9) They were following it. It’s one thing to see the star, it’s another thing to follow it. This Christmas you have the opportunity to follow the commercialization and side shows of Christmas. They will not be fulfilling. Follow the real meaning of Christmas, and you can experience a right Christmas.
3. FEEL THE JOY–“They rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” (v 10) There will be a lot of talk about happiness and joy at Christmas. For many it will be over Christmas night. The joy the Wise Men discovered was real and will last a lifetime. It wasn’t just normal joy—it was exceedingly great joy. Do you have that joy?
4. FOCUS ON JESUS–“They saw the Child—fell down and worshiped Him.” (v 11) You will see plenty of lights, parades, food, advertising, Black Fridays, and Cyber Mondays. That focus brings very limited satisfaction. If you focus on Jesus, you will see your life and the world in a different picture. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life—the Reason for the season.
5. FREELY GIVE–They presented to Him gifts. (v 11) The Wise Men brought special gifts to the One who was the Greatest Gift that man could ever receive—the gift of God’s Son, Jesus. When we receive His gift, we will give freely to Him and His people. The right Christmas is one in which we give the right things to the right people at the right time.
6. FULFILL GOD’S PURPOSE–“They went home a different way.” (v 12) The right Christmas sends us into the world in a different direction with a different purpose and a different set of values. It’s easy to become familiar with where we have been—it’s important to move forward in a way that Jesus wants us to live, to love, to learn, and to lean on Him. His purpose can be fulfilled.

You can sing on perfect pitch; “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas”—but I doubt that dream will come true. I dare you to dream of a right Christmas and follow the pattern that the Wise Men discovered. Wise guys are always looking for a white Christmas—wise men find the right Christmas. Your dream will come true. 

What are you dreaming?