My blog posts have been few and far between- not as a result of writer’s block, but as a result of the dreaded over- scheduled, over- harried, and over- expectationed (yes I made that word up) seasonal calendar. Just when we think our lives couldn’t be fuller, more frantic, more frenetic…the holidays loom and the cultural expectations that abound during the season of festive joy slowly take on the ominous tones of a symphonic accompaniment to a horror movie. Good intentions morph into pressured “have tos” that clutter our calendars with distractions and obligations. Christmas cards, Christmas parties, Christmas presents, Christmas decorations, Christmas trees- all beautiful traditions we have managed to pervert into commercialized distortions of stress and excess.
I bet you’re thinking, “But I love getting Christmas cards!” and “Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the decorations, the tree, the get togethers…” Agreed, but is a Christmas card or greeting from beloved friends and family received after the holidays any less heart felt or received with less gratitude and thankfulness? I am equally grateful for cards that trickle in after the artificially designated date of December 25th as I am for those that arrive in a culturally acceptable pre-holiday timetable. My holidays are no less festive if my tree is up 3 weeks after Thanksgiving than if I have it up immediately after, and my love for friends and family that are not able to make their schedules coordinate with the designated dinner celebrations does not ebb with their absence.
Our Christmas traditions should enhance our experience of the season, not detract from or rob joy from the purpose of this day that we set aside to commemorate the most notable human event in the history of the world and time itself. There is nothing wrong with any of these traditions when used properly to enhance and put the focus where it belongs- on the birth of a savior who came to save us from the all the pains, stress, fear, and human expectations wrapped up in a sinful planet. Yet, when these traditions eclipse a focus on the celebration of the dawn of salvation through the birth of Jesus Christ, we may need to step back momentarily and ask ourselves “Why?” Why are we doing the things we do, what is the purpose of the traditions we are sharing with friends and family? Is the arbitrary deadline I’ve set enhancing the holiday or destroying the joy it is intended to give birth to? Gifts born out of sacrifice and love are indeed a beautiful thing, but we hopefully are using them with the purpose of shining a mirror on the greatest sacrificial gift of love the world has ever seen in the gift of God’s only son to a world destined to depreciate, dishonor, and desecrate that precious gift.
Use this season of love and festivities to point to God, share His love with others, and give conscious attention to the purpose and “why” in the moments each of these holiday traditions bring with them. Whenever cultural pressure rears its ugly expectation- filled head, make a conscious decision to prioritize what makes the celebration of a Savior’s birth most meaningful to your family. The sun will still rise and set whether your cards are sent out on December 25th or January 25th. Live in the moment of the hour, and appreciate the opportunities you have with loved ones- whether it is on Christmas day – or a month later. Give the gifts of acceptance, understanding, patience, and forgiveness when the familiar pressures of family chaos appear- because they will, every holiday. If you find yourself alone for the holidays, choose gratefulness for the peace and serenity of the moment and use the time to spend time with a Savior who is alive, well, and eager to share your joys and sorrows with you.
“And she shall bring forth a son, and you shalt call His name Jesus [Savior]: for He shall save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
No greater, more lavish gift has ever been bestowed on a more undeserving, unappreciative recipient. Make the most of Christmas by focusing on that which is most important and impactful to you during this special season. Appreciate the moments of peace along with the moments of chaos, and give thanks for the most generous act of self sacrifice the world will ever know in the birth of the most innocent babe ever born,who became the most powerful King in time who gave us the greatest gift of all- eternal love and salvation. Peace.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14
A Peace of Humble Pie 