It's almost here... Christmas day, that is.
For weeks now we have shopped and sent cards and had gatherings. We have had parades and watched Christmas specials on tv. Tomorrow is the apex of the Christmas season.
We will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, Savior of the world.
Even though we have good intentions, it can be really challenging to remain focused on the real meaning of the season. Christmas is so commercial. There is nothing wrong with giving gifts but it can be wrong if it becomes the primary focus of the season. I battle it just like you do.
When our kids were young I would worry thinking "Do we have enough?"
"Enough?"
What is "enough?"
The fact is, I was succumbing to the temptation of commercialism.
I remember watching the Walton television special growing up. PaPa Walton came home and brought all the Waltons one gift each. John Boy, the aspiring writer, got a writing tablet. That was it. One tablet.
So, compared to the Waltons Christmas, we had MORE than enough.
I guess I'm writing this as much to me as to those of you who will read this. We have a tendency to want Christmas to be this magical moment. We want it to be perfect. You know... the Norman Rockwell scene.. everyone sitting around the table with the turkey in the center, Dad with the cardigan sweater etc...
Of course, TV reinforces this.
So, today, on the eve of the day on which we will celebrate Jesus birth, let's all try to allow the Holy Spirit to give us the peace on earth Jesus came to give everyone who wants it.
There is a story about a lady who tried to teach her children that Christmas is Jesus birthday. To reinforce this, she had an empty chair at the table for lunch reminding her kids that the day is about Jesus.
Christmas afternoon, the family had a guest. A lady entered the house and asked a little girl "Well, did you get everything you wanted for Christmas?"
The little girl responded, "No, but it's not my birthday."
I like that.
Join me this afternoon at 5 for our Christmas Eve candlelight Lord's Supper as we worship our Lord. If you are unable to make the Christmas Eve service, I hope you have a wonderful spirit-filled Christmas.
Merry CHRISTmas.