Christmas Ramblings

Twelve days before Christmas. Do you know where your Christmas spirit is?

I have always felt that people that are eagerly awaiting December 25 are missing the whole point. As children, I guess that’s the day the presents are received and opened and if you were waiting for one specific item that your dying to receive then that’s what it’s all about for you. Or if that’s the day your loved one or ones are arriving then I get that anticipation. But I, personally, feel Christmas is a season not a day. And if I put all my hope and joy into one day then I’ll be sadly disappointed when that 24 hours are over. Very often, I have found December 25 to be rather anti-climactical.

I have long felt that Christmas is the time preceding December 25th. The build up. The concerts. The parties. The shopping. The red cups. The music. The decorating. The lights. The wrapping. The charity. The baking. The preparations. Sitting by the fireplace enjoying the tree and lights. Driving around taking in everyone’s light displays. Skating on lake. Drinking hot chocolate. The mitts, toques and scarves. The Christmas oranges. A sleigh ride. Family together. Watching Christmas movies with popcorn. The advent services. The Christmas story. Christmas carolling. Games and puzzles.

I have been blessed my whole life – 60 years – that Christmas has always been like this for me. I mean truly and deeply blessed! Even as I write this, I’m sitting by my tree, in front of the fireplace listening to my favorite Christmas music with an over full belly, my whole family home and a nice warm bed to cozy up in shortly.

This Christmas I have something new added to my Christmas preparations…Two job interviews the week before Christmas. It seems odd but every other year I have actually been working and that didn’t feel odd. But really the whole ‘not working’ in December has felt rather odd. Maybe I’m getting a job for Christmas? Wouldn’t that be something? I am grateful that God has not forgotten my need just because it’s Christmas.

All this to say, that I’m endeavouring to enjoy these next 12 days to the full and live in the moment and not wish them away or hurry them up. I want to savor them. I’ll never have these 12 days again. Yes there are sad, painful things happening amongst those in my sphere of influence and amongst those with whom I have relationships and friendships but it’s all part of the moment and the season and the memories. Peace on earth, good will to men. Wouldn’t it be loverly?

We press on in this season of advent as we wait for the fulfillment of Gods promise in spite of circumstances. Christmas is a season of hope. It’s a season of charity. A season of peace and joy. Seek for this in the midst of your circumstances. Wise men still seek Him. Live these next 12 days on purpose – with purpose and and don’t let Christmas Day come and go while you are lost in a fog of stress and meaninglessness. Make this Christmas count and choose joy.
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