Christmas Ponderings

Whoo....... this has been a difficult year for me to get into the swing of the holidays. I told Ang today that I felt like the scrooge more than anything else. It isn't how I want to feel --- I have ALWAYS loved the Christmas season - what a season of rejoicing, reflecting, and remembering. The gift of the Christ child to us; the legends and customs that were designed to point to the birth of Christ - legends and customs that we still use and participate in but we do not remember what they really mean anymore. ............Instead it is a time of busyness and selfishness.

Cindy Lou Who in the Grinch movie says to her Father - it seems all so superflous and then comments to the Grinch - I myself have had some Yuletide doubts --- how I can relate!!!!
How do we make it different??? I think it is more than wishing those around us Merry Christmas - (though we don't want to let that be taken from us and replaced with a generic seasonal statement). It is more than reading the Nativity Story.

In the week since I started this post (boy the days are flying by) the Lord has been gently reminding me it really is a matter of my heart. I have allowed all this to penetrate and I shouldn't have. It is MY choice to focus on the joy in Christmas, the real purpose in the celebrations and customs and traditions. Drawing closer to the manger -- to the fact that Christ himself would come as baby, a small, defenseless, fleshy baby.

I was reading one of our Christmas books to the kids this week, it is a new version of an old book that my mom read to me when I was a child. I prefer the classic edition but the modern version is also good - it is called "The Town that Forgot about Christmas". It is so good. At the end of the book it quotes the verse from Luke. As I read to the kids I heard a quiet whisper - Andrea this is what it is about...... let the rest of it go.

The Angel said to them, Fear not for behold I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For unto you is borth this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord!!

We have good news of GREAT joy --- where is my joy?!?!? Time to refocus Andrea. Isn't it amazing how God speaks to us as we are teaching our children???

The neatest part is realizing the story doesn't end there - the manger is just the beginning. That is where I find my joy. I listened to the old carol on the radio I heard the Bells on Christmas Day -- boy it had been a long time since I heard it. It was the third and fourth stanzas that really touched my heart strings:

And in despair I bowed my head; "There is no peace on earth," I said, "For hate is strong and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men." Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail With peace on earth, goodwill to men.

I woke this morning with a new attitude - my joy had returned. God is still in control - It isn't my job to worry about the avarice or fight against all those who misuse, abuse or take advantage of the Christmas season. It is my job to keep my focus on the true meaning of Christmas and to do my best to teach my children also. When I changed my focus I was able to see my children's efforts to love each other. I was able to take part in their excitement as secrets are kept and surprises are planned. I came home from a hectic trip to town to find Zachy had made me an "I love you book" with original artwork. Elijah had worked hard on handmade creations for his siblings. Gabrielle spent her own money to lavish her family with gifts. And they are excited to do it!!! I think they are more excited about what they are giving than what they are getting. How marvelous is that!!?!?!?

We have much to rejoice do we not???