Christmas Reflections

Each year as Christmas arrives I look forward the seasonal shift that occurs. Not just in the environment but in the heart and home too. Our little village becomes cozy as it is blanketed in white. The glow of holiday lights in windows transforms the façade of each home to a place of welcome; not just another house among the masses.

In stores there is a camaraderie between shoppers. Each having a common goal of finding the perfect gift or creating that special holiday meal. During the off-season we would likely pass in the aisle and not speak a word.

At home and school we are looking for an opportunity to thank that person who has done for us and our family. Our “brothers-keeper” sensitivity is also fine-tuned. Often times to the point of being self-sacrificing.

What is particularly note-worthy to me is that this attitude of the heart transcends believers and non-believers alike. Many would deny their actions were motivated by any faith-based notions. Rather they are simply doing the right thing at a time when others are in need. As a firm-believer in Christ and His miraculous birth and life, I say this is no coincidence. You may deny Christ’s sovereignty, you many deny all religions completely. But this seasonal shift of the heart and actions cannot be denied. Ask any retailer, any Pastor, any nursing home director, any manager of a charitable organization.

If this is so, then what is the true cause and motivation one would ask? I maintain, in my humble opinion, that the roots of such beauty, joy, generosity and outpouring of love are firmly planted by the Creator Himself. Yes, we have grown into a country where all theological perspectives, or the absence of them, are accepted. But these were not the ideologies of our founding fathers and their ancestors before them. In contrast theirs was a narrow path by which to walk that led to a life well-lived. They fought hard and long to create an environment of equality and acceptance.

Generations later we have strayed far from that path they trod at such sacrifice. The details of that could become a long and unpleasant dictation. My point in this reflection, from a positive perspective, is that all has not gone astray indeed. If even for a season we hold to those “old-fashioned” beliefs and “traditional” behaviors, what a difference it makes!

In my quiet moments I wonder what would happen if it were to be so the whole year long. What would happen if all year we turned our eyes to Jesus and strived to live as He did. That our thoughts would be pure as new fallen snow. What glory, what grace! But alas, I need to be content with these weeks as they are. It is my prayer that we will maintain our freedom here in the US to always enjoy this season, openly and freely. That every village, every city will maintain that lovely glow that only Christmas brings to the heart and home.

Praise you Jesus that you are still the sovereign Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Lord of my heart.