We are full swing into the holiday season and it's time I take a much needed step back. Over time my perspective seems to have gotten a little off balance.
Recently I was reminded, again, that Thanksgiving is more than turkey and stuffing and pumpkin pie. It's more than black Friday deals and crazy shopping and time off from school.
It's a time to celebrate family and all the blessings God has given us. In no way are these things bad, but too often I find these things become my focus. How much thought do I give God on this day? How much time do I spend actually thanking Him for all He's given me? Life, good health, salvation, family, a home, everything. I've seen how spoiled and selfish I can be. Sometimes I feel like I'm being sucked into a vortex of "life all about me"- a whirlwind that is so easy to be taken up in. It's all around me- in stores, ads, on the computer and television. However, I've also been to many places where people have so much less and yet have so much joy that isn't based on their possessions. They seem to have an internal well of joyfulness and giving. As a teacher, I stress to my students how important it is to have a constant heart of gratitude. It is an attitude that we have to develop. It is not something we should do only one
day per year. We should live gratefully every day!
And then we approach Christmas.... Christmas is more than the best decorated tree, the brightest house on the block, or having the most presents under the tree. As much as I love the festivities of baking, decorating, caroling, and shopping, I have to step back and reevaluate whether these things are consuming me. I have to honestly say, at times, they do. But what will be left after this December? Things break, trees and lights are taken down until next year, seasonal happiness tends to fade as "normal" life resumes, family gatherings disperse. However when I participate in angel trees, Christmas shoe boxes, and community Christmas programs, I'm quickly reminded that it's not about these things.
So, what is it about? Christ and the hope He brought to a lost world through His humble birth and eventual death on the cross. He gave the ultimate gift- His life- because of love. This gift surpasses any other gift we could ever receive. Christ is the One we celebrate. He wants to be the center of our celebration this season. I find Him in the beauty of the decorations, the words of famous carols, the smiles on the children's faces, the laughter of family. He's there if I look for Him.
When I was younger my family didn't exchange gifts. My mom would dress my two sisters and me up as angels and we'd go to nursing homes and other places and perform this play about the true meaning of Christmas being lost in the hustle and bustle of the season. It was a blessing and challenge to all who saw it. And in blessing others, we were blessed. Little did I know the continued impact that it would have on me years later.
So today I choose to approach this holiday season with a renewed excitement and a balanced perspective. There are endless opportunities to serve others and to actively show God's love in a tangible way. My prayer is, as I enjoy this Christmas season, that God would keep my heart and mind focused on the reasons to celebrate that will continue far beyond this December.
