Christmas....a time of joy, excitement, togetherness and traditions!! But, what if it's not all that? What if for some, Christmas is a time of painful memories, loneliness and depression? We often tend to come to the holidays with this thought that it is pure happiness for everyone, when in reality, it's not. Holidays sometimes are a time of remembrance for those who are no longer with us, a reminder of what you didn't get, and a look into the monotony of what's to come. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays.....the shopping, baking/cooking and parties, and forget the true meaning.
Have you ever stopped long enough to really listen to the words to all the Christmas songs? Have you pondered the thoughts and feelings that were buzzing around Mary's head as she was delivered the message that she was going to have a child, that it was sent from God, and was to be called "Immanuel, God with us"? If that had been me, let's just face it....I would have completely freaked out, probably overreacted and possibly hyperventilated. I can't imagine I would have been very obedient in the whole scenario, and walked through the unknown so humbly. Now I say this not to praise Mary for everything, but to point out that Mary was just like you and I. God took a young woman, someone who most likely felt unworthy, and made one of those impossible stories become Truth. Mary gave birth to the Hope of the world. I am humbled when I think about how God knew our future lives here on earth, our imperfectness, our stubbornness....yet He chose to send His son to earth for us. What a loving God!
One of my favorite parts of Christmas is our ten o'clock candlelight Christmas Eve service at church. It's a time of togetherness, reflection, Scripture reading, praise and the taking of communion. As families slowly start to enter in, picking up a candle and making their way to the pew, you can hear the whispers as people greet each other and give out multiple hugs. As you look around the sanctuary, you see families together that were once separated by distance of cities or states. You can see grandchildren curled up next to their Nana and Papa. A reunion of those who haven't seen each other in months. As you look up, the balcony gets more filled, and there are smiles everywhere, lit by the soft glow of the candles in each of the stained glass windows. Then, at promptly ten, we have the chiming of the hour. For ten slow chimes, we sit, we ponder, we reflect. The hum of the organ and piano begin to play as everyone's attention is focused. We read through the story of the Christ-child's birth with intermittent songs and carols. After hearing of that 2000+ year old story, we remember the sacrifice that was foretold of, and partake of communion. Then, as the evening closes, we look up front to see the advent wreath lit up, as we are reminded that our hope, love, peace and joy come only from Christ. As our pastor lights his candle from the Christ candle, he passes it on to someone else, and then to another, slowly lighting each pew with light until the whole room goes from dim to bright. As we sing Joy to the World, the final verse rings through the sanctuary loud and beautiful, with our candles held high for all to see.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.
I love that even though Christmas can feel so dim and sad, there is still hope and true joy. We will never ever be left without those. Just as Jesus was sent to this Earth to be born and walk among us, He was sent to save us, hold us and remind us of our true hope and joy. It can't be bought with a present under the tree, the most lavishly decorated house, or elaborate Christmas meal. Our true gift didn't come gift-wrapped with a huge bow; He came so thoughtfully into a fallen world, carefully set in a feeding trough, with the purpose to save us. Because of God's amazing love, we have a joy and hope that can never ever be snuffed out! No amount of heartache or depression can keep that virgin birth from leaving a footprint on our hearts. So don't forget your loved ones or the heartaches you may have, but be reminded that our ultimate celebration will one day soon be with our Hope of the world. These are truly our shadow lands, and until that day that we are with Him, we must continue to shine our light. Someone...somewhere,may be watching, and your gentle flicker may be all that's needed to set their heart on fire. Go spread the Hope of the world. Be the light. Life a life of love and grace.
Merry Christmas!