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“You’re not going to believe this, and I was so excited that I just had to call you and share!” I smile as my friend proceeds to tell me that as she was walking out of a Food City with groceries, she felt a gust of wind rush past her to the right, as if someone was walking by in a hurry. She glanced over and caught the back of a few other customers, but couldn’t tell exactly where the rush had come from. The sliding doors opened as she began to exit the store when a small white piece of paper lying right in front of her feet caught her eye. Bending down to pick it up, she realized it was a lottery ticket. By the time she looked around for who it belonged to, no one was in sight.

“Isn’t that so weird? I have no idea where it came from, but the gust of wind was so strange! I’m really excited because once I pick up the kids, I’m going to tell them about it and have them come with me to see if we win anything. It must be the magic of Christmas.”

It wasn’t until a few years ago when I learned that the word “magic” comes from the Greek word “magos,” which means “member of the learned or priestly class.” The word “magi” is the plural of the Latin word “magus,” which also comes from magos. And as we know, the three Magi (Wise Men) were the ones who traveled to worship the newborn baby Jesus Christ after being informed by an angel of his birth. Ever since correlating the two words, it’s hard for me to separate magic from gifts from God.

Because Yahweh is always present and His spirit is dwelling within us, we can tap into this magic whenever we want. As long as we have Christ in our heart, who is the greatest gift humanity has ever received, the magic of Christmas – the magic of God – is always accessible to us! But here’s the kicker … believing is the key to unlocking it. Just as children believe that magic is the reason why presents show up underneath trees on Christmas morning, we must believe that our prayers and wishes are magic too, and they can make anything come true. Nothing is impossible through God, and miracles are real. Miracles become tangible once we have faith that they will happen, and keep that faith alive and at the forefront of our days.

My friend believes wholeheartedly that God hears every single one of her prayers, wishes and requests, even if they’re “silly.” She works hard every year to ensure her children have the most magical Christmas a kid could dream of, and knows that even if the outlook is bleak, somehow God will provide. Since beginning to believe this myself, things have drastically changed. Opportunities have come up out of the blue, bonuses have quite literally just appeared out of thin air, and my whole perspective of the season has shifted from one of stress and anxiety to one of joy and peace.

So, how do you tap into the magic? First off, believe that you are worthy of receiving it. This is the biggest thing I struggle with, and have for all of my life. You must trust that God loves you more than you will ever understand, and you are deserving of His love, and therefore, His magic. Next, it’s all about the intent of our hearts. Are we seeking gifts in abundance but disregarding others? In believing that we are worthy of this magic, we must also ask Yahweh who and where needs our help, and allow ourselves to be open to what He tells us. There are many, many people who are without anything, especially this time of year. We must give freely of ourselves in order to receive. We can do this in many ways: volunteer our time, lend a listening ear, pay it forward, donate things we no longer use or need, offer to help or just be truly present in the moments we get to share time with those we care about. Show up, without having to be asked. Lean into what God is calling you to throughout your day, and see just how many blessings accompany this magical season.

Here’s the best part: The magic of Christmas surrounds us all the time, not just in December. We can tap into it whenever we want, we just need to remember that it’s there, and ready ourselves for God’s calling on our lives, always. Once we begin to look at our lives with childlike wonderment and truly believe that our prayers will in fact come true, everything will change.

Merry Christmas everyone, and may the magic of the season surround you all through the new year!

Danielle Puleo is a staff writer with The Coastland Times. Reach her at danielle.puleo@thecoastlandtimes.com.

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