Q.DEAR BILLY GRAHAM: I know Christmas is still a long way off, but I’m already dreading it. I know I shouldn’t feel this way, but Christmas is always such a hassle that I just can’t help it. Is it wrong to feel this way about Jesus’ birthday? — R.C.

A. DEAR R.C.: I suspect almost everyone reading this can identify with you — because for many of us Christmas has become a burden instead of a blessing. We get so busy, and we become so overwhelmed with everything we need to do, that we lose sight of its true meaning.

But of course it shouldn’t be this way, because at Christmas we celebrate the greatest event in human history — the coming of Jesus Christ into the world. The birth of that baby in Bethlehem’s stable over 2,000 years ago wasn’t just the birth of another great man. Instead, what happened that night is almost beyond our understanding — because God himself came down from heaven and became a man. As the Bible says, “‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ — which means, ‘God with us’ ” (Matthew 1:23).

Why did Christ come? He came for one reason: To provide the way for us to be forgiven of our sins and go to heaven when we die. He did this because God loves us, and wants us to experience the joy of his presence every day.

As you look toward Christmas, begin by committing these days — and your whole life — to Jesus Christ. Take time each day to read his word and reflect on his love. Then ask God to help you plan your holiday time carefully (even cutting out things that don’t matter), instead of leaving everything to the last minute.