The other day a young Facebook friend posted this question: What’s your all-time favorite Christmas movie?

Friends, Romans and fellow countrymen weighed in. Responses included Ernest Saves Christmas, Elf, Christmas with the Cranks, Home Alone,  National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and It’s a Wonderful Life.

Not to sound like a wet blanket or anything, but with the possible exception of George Bailey, none of the responses have much  – if anything – to do with the true meaning of Christmas.

Have we forgotten?

Joyful, all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies…

Yes, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning, Jesus, to Thee be all glory given…

Saints before the altar bending, Watching long in hope and fear. Suddenly the Lord descending, in His temple shall appear…

O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth, And praises sing to God the King,  And peace to men on earth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,  For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born;…

Then let us all with on accord Sing praises to our heav’nly Lord, That hath made heav’n and earth of naught, And with His blood mankind hath bought.

Act I

Christmas is a party.  It’s also a promise.  A prelude to The Great Party to come.

Act I was Jesus’ invasion into human history, on a rescue mission that’s been in the works since “the works” began – and before.  And He’s coming back, just as He promised.  When He does, all that we long for and wonder and look for in Christmas will be ours.  Forever.

Talk about a humdinger of an Act II!

Let’s not forget.

May this Advent and Christmas season be about turning our hopes and dreams toward the Second Advent.  About gifts of hope and joy that make all other merriment mere shadows of the Great Party to come, when He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love.