By Pastor Aaron Burgess

During the holiday season, my mom will watch the movie “Home Alone” numerous times. This is a tradition for her. I have picked this habit up from her. Every year there are a few movies I insist on watching, as well.

The movie “Elf” is on this list. I personally enjoy the scene when he is in the department store, and the manager has a big announcement to make. He says, “OK people tomorrow morning, 10 a.m., Santa’s coming to town.”

Then Buddy, played by Will Ferrell, responds: “Santa! Oh my God! Santa, here? I know him! I know him!” This is a classic line. Every time I watch this scene, I burst out in laughter.

If I announced that tomorrow at 10 a.m., Jesus Christ would come to Suffolk, what would be your response? I am not trying to predict the coming of Jesus. But just entertain me for a moment and think about this. I know when I begin to ponder on a question like this, things begin to come back into perspective.

If Jesus Christ were coming to town tomorrow, would you be excited to see Him? When Buddy heard that Santa was coming, he could barely contain himself. You could see the joy, excitement and anticipation run over him as he began to scream Santa’s name and declare his coming. Would you respond with the same emotion and enthusiasm upon hearing that the Savior of the world is coming to your town?

But Jesus has already come to this world. That is why we celebrate the Christmas season — to recognize and honor the birth of our Lord and Savior. Unfortunately we have become so caught up in the commercialism that we fail to rejoice any longer over this fact.

Unfortunately it seems to me we no longer get excited over the birth of our Savior. When was the last time outside of a church service we paused to acknowledge the birth of our Lord?

Most people in America say they know Jesus. But there is a difference between knowing of someone and knowing someone. When Santa appeared the next day at the department store, Buddy knew he wasn’t real. Buddy had had the privilege of meeting and getting to know the real Santa.

Some folks who read this article simply do not know this Savior we call Jesus, and it’s hard to get excited about someone you do not know. So I would like to help you get to know who Jesus is by using Isaiah 7:14, which is found in the Old Testament. It reads, “Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: The virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

The name “Immanuel” means “God with us.” We should be excited at Christmas because God has already come to be with us every day of our lives. That was His Christmas gift to humanity.

John 3:16, found in the New Testament, reads: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

Jesus came to be with you. Yes, to be with you. He desires for you to know Him in a personal way, and it is possible for you to know God. Do you see it now?

Once you get to know Jesus, this season will become exciting not because of who is coming or the gifts you will receive, but because of the One who has already came for you.

Do yourself a favor and have a Merry Christmas by getting to know the God who has already come to be with you.

Aaron Burgess is the lead pastor at Suffolk Church of God. Email him at pastor@suffolkcog.com.