Christmas Spirit in November

"Why can't that spirit, that Christmas spirit last all year long?" - John Doe asks, in the classic film 'Meet John Doe'.

The month of November will always bring you two kinds of people: those who's hearts, minds and pocketbooks are focused on Christmas, and those who's hearts are geared toward the traditional Thanksgiving season yet carry within them a tint of Christmas spirit.

In recent years, I've come to embrace those who turn on that Christmas spirit in November. I can no longer shun them even if it may seem like they are skipping right over Thanksgiving, because I've learned that thankfulness is also an important part of that Christmas spirit they carry.

If you can remember, Ebenezer Scrooge didn't just wake up Christmas morning with Christmas spirit, he had awaken from his slumber with a thankful heart first; grateful to be alive and thankful for a second chance at life.

For many of us, Christmas spirit is a side effect of the fruit of the spirit which we should also emulate throughout the year.

But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. -Gal. 5:22,23

Next time you see someone exuberating Christmas spirit in the month of November, remember they too may just be as thankful as Ebenezer Scrooge was...thankful to be alive!