Our celebration of Christmas usually comes with a burden of great expectations. The bright lights and nostalgic songs stir up different longings in each of us, don’t they? We want to heal broken relationships. We hope to connect with our family in a way that is meaningful. We want to find the kind of faith that settles our restless heart. We wish for … yes, you would likely answer that question differently than I would.
But there
are choices that we can make that will help us to find our way into the New
Year with a richer, fuller heart as we reflect on Christmas, 2024.
First, let’s adjust our expectations of ourselves and others!
Deep inside of us, we can become almost childish thinking that surely the
carols, the candles, or even Old Saint Nick will change our lives. We love
Dicken’s story of the transformation of Old Scrooge in that tale - "Christmas
Carol." Life doesn’t work that way.
Just because
it is Christmas that miserable person that rains on your parade is highly unlikely
to turn into Sam Sunshine. Be realistic! Know, too, that one gift or gesture,
as nice or generous as it may be, cannot erase something hurtful from the past.
Face the fact that a marriage that is cracking at the seams won't be repaired
by an expensive gift. If we are realistic about the limits of the day, it will
help us to celebrate with more joy.
Second, focus on the spiritual part of the Season.
Yep, you've heard that before, too, haven't you? It is celebration of Christ's
birthday. You won't find Him on Amazon.com or in the twinkling lights of the
decorations. Giving gifts can be a lot of fun. Decorating our homes and offices
can add a festive air. Parties are great, sometimes.
It is worship, however, that brings true peace, which connects us to the One
who came to be our Prince of Peace. Every year in my pastoral ministry I have
urged people to carve out moments in which they can listen to God's voice, pray,
meditate, and know Gods’ peace. Mostly we don’t! But, I hope you will.
Serve
someone in the Name of Jesus with no ulterior motive. Go to church having
prepared your heart to participate in the corporate acts of worship.
Third, admit to yourself - "I cannot do it all!"
Somebody will be disappointed that you didn't get to their party. Somebody
won't get the perfect gift. The pie you bake might turn out with a burnt crust.
Uncle Joe may growl at your kids and remind you that you are a failure as a
parent. Nobody’s 100%, able to please, and mega-competent.
It's all
right to be human. Admit it - first to yourself. If you own your own humanity,
it is a way to unload a ton of pressure.
And, don't forget to be child-like.
Give yourself permission to experience some wonder. Let the Grinch be cynical!
Laugh at those things that are absurd. Hug Grandma. Sing, even if you can't,
and enjoy the experience. Ponder the story of a Baby born in a manger, of
Shepherds who heard angels sing, of God come to earth to change everything,
including your eternal destiny. Ask God to give you the eyes of a child again.
I think if you'll do these things, January 1st will roll around, and you'll
wish it were still Christmas, instead of being glad it is gone for another
year. Let me know, won't you?
Read these ancient words today. I pray that you will experience something like
the wonder in the word from the Word.
"And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished
that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and
wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was
no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds
abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone
round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear
not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all
people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,
which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:6-11, KJV)
"And all they that heard it wondered at those things ..."
(Luke 2:18, KJV)
There we
find the hope of humanity, our salvation, and an anchor for all of life’s storms.
Remember Jesus!
