Oh the Christmas season is upon us. Christmas lights everywhere you look. Christmas music (which by the way I believe gets a bad rap…remember I could listen to it all year long…and yes, I do) wafting over the loud speakers in grocery stores (I’m sure it’s in other stores as well, however, I haven’t started my Christmas shopping yet, so I haven’t heard it in a department store yet). The scent of Christmas trees throughout homes and shops that remind me of Christmas’ past when I actually had a real tree.

Yes Christmas is nearly here.

I took my Mom to see the musical “White Christmas” last evening at a local dinner theater. We had so much fun. The food was delicious. The acting and singing were top notch. The musical? Well it’s “White Christmas” so there were comical, heart-touching, and thought-provoking moments throughout the show. Yes, I laughed, thought and cried during this little outing with my Mom and it was priceless.

I wonder if the folks who heard Jesus’ teaching didn’t respond in the same way. Perhaps there was laughter. I simply cannot see Jesus being serious all of the time. He must have told a few jokes. He was probably even involved with a few practical jokes. After all, if we are made in “their” image then there must be some fun in “them.” We find things amusing and even funny. We find ourselves laughing. We love to smile. It must be a passed along trait from our heavenly Father, His Son and His Spirit.

I’m also certain there were tears at times during Jesus’ teachings and miracles. Perhaps when a child was raised from the dead or a demon tossed out. Or what about when the rich young man refused to give away all that he had to follow Jesus. There were probably tears shed in that moment. We know Jesus cried. He wept at the tomb of His close friend Lazarus. During His prayer time in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus probably shed a tear or two during His struggle. And after the rooster crowed, Peter wept bitterly for disowning the Man who changed his life.

And for sure, there were thought-provoking moments by those who heard Jesus’ words. From the beginning of His three-year ministry to His return to heaven, Jesus made people think. To re-think everything they had been taught up to that time. To give thought to how they treated others and their relationship with their Father. Jesus’ message was to bring people to a closer relationship with God. His message asked for a change in the way of thinking. It was definitely thought-provoking.

How has Jesus’ teaching changed you? Have you shed a few tears? Have you laughed along the way? Have you needed to make a thought change? If so, you aren’t alone. Because here’s the thing. Jesus changes us. If we are not changed after hearing His message, His job isn’t finished.

We are to find transformation in the words of our Lord. Paul talks about it in Romans 12:2 (NIV). “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

We hear, read, study God’s Word (Jesus’ teachings) and we must be changed. Our minds must be renewed. We must be transformed. It’s the only way we can understand God’s will for our lives.

So let the tears flow. Let the laughter begin. Let the mind-changing teaching touch your heart. It will be the best Christmas present you can give yourself this year.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna