I can’t believe Christmas is here already… these last few weeks have flown by way too fast. This will be our first Christmas in the new house, and we’ll be hosting the holiday dinner tomorrow. This evening, we had our usual family steak dinner, followed by everyone going to church. Out of all the church services throughout the year, I think Christmas Eve mass is my favorite. Had to opportunity to play along with an oboe, clarinet, and the bell choir. For not having practiced together, everything came off without a hitch. It was really nice to see the church packed tonight, everyone singing along with the Christmas hymns, really helping to set the mood for the evening.
After church, we came outside to snow… yes, it was a white Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, the snow came down fast enough that roads were slick, but everyone made it where they needed to go safely. The kids went to my parents, with my wife and I picking up the dog and joining them. Santa stopped by their house to drop off presents, and after enjoying some more food, we headed back home for a long winter’s nap (ok, sleeping for the night).
From the perspective of Christmas, I’ve struggled the last few years to get “in the mood” for the holidays. It’s helped seeing my kids get excited for Santa to come bring gifts, but there seems to be something missing. Maybe it’s the unfortunately passage of time that shrinks the dinner table every year, or everyone getting older. Whatever it is, and I think it’s probably a combination of a few things, it’s amazing to see how our society reacts to Christmas. A few years back, everything was Happy Holidays, dare anyone mention the word Christmas. We had “holiday trees” and “holiday music” because we didn’t want to offend anyone. As much as I can see the perspective of not offending anyone, Christmas is and always will be based on the birth of Jesus Christ. That’s not going to change. There really was a historical figure with that name, born in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph, lived approximately 30 years spreading a religious message, and ultimately, put to death by a jealous and fearful government. Many of us Christians believe that the story is more than just a tale of a man, but at it’s core for non-believers, that’s the bare minimum. For the rest of us, it was a story that changed the world and changed the universe forever more. The Savior, born in a manger, surrounding by common farm animals. A birth so simple and unspectacular for its time to the common people.
It’s too easy to always want more in our lives. I think one of the main Christmas messages that’s coming clearer to me in recent years is that sometimes the simple things make the most impact. I often hear people say “if I had a million bucks” or “if I was famous”, but then you read about what happens to many of those people. They can’t manage their wealth and end up bankrupt. The stress of celebrity overwhelms them and leads to drug or alcohol abuse – or worse. This Christmas, let’s take some time to remember the real reason for the season. Maybe take some time to just enjoy the simple things.
I wrote a few weeks ago about my thoughts on Santa Claus. Much as Jesus lives in each one of us, so too can the spirit of Santa. We each have gifts to offer each other. Glad tidings of great joy throughout the year. Let’s carry on the season of Christmas year round. Remember, it all started with an infant lying in a manger. That one event changed our lives forever. Let us all worship Christ the newborn King!
