The catholic church placed Christmas at this time of year for a reason.
I’ve heard that every year for most of my life. My father grew up catholic and my mom grew up protestant, although neither had very devout parents. They were alienated from our loving God by a perception of rules and regulations with a very distant, unforgiving God and no room for freedom or life.
When I was in first grade, a friend of mine invited me to the church where her father was the minister. It changed my life and the lives of our family. I learned about Jesus and accepted him with open arms. I had no idea what that meant, but I wouldn’t say I completely get it now, either. Christianity is more of a process of learning and growing than a religion or, at least, how many people see religion. It’s about faith and humble submission out of love, which leads us down a light filled path.
So how does Christmas fit into that?
On the surface, it’s an artificial holiday placed on top of an existing seasonal celebration which has no early christian biblical reference. It’s a highly commercialized season that seems to have little to do with Christ. Its something not everyone understands and honestly, I’ve spent some time questioning it myself.
After a lot of time studying the bible and praying about it, I’ve found that the more time I spend looking for the “rules”, the further I got away from the heart of my faith. Not feelings, as emotions often mislead, but love. A constant, unwavering love that I’ve occasionally allowed to fill me up and pour out onto people and lives I had no idea I could touch.
That’s the point of Christmas.
That’s what I want Christmas to be for our family.
I love Christmas and I always have. I love the sparkling lights everywhere that create a feeling of magic and hope that couldn’t come at a more perfect time. This is the time of the year when managers push their employees to complete projects and use up budgets, while the days get shorter and shorter and our bodies need more, not less, sleep. It’s also the time of year when it’s so easy to feel overwhelmed and feel pressured to buy, buy, buy to make up for the lack of time.
I’ve been one of the biggest offenders in this area for years. I’ve all too often, bought my love. Sent an expensive gift, instead of calling or taking the time to write a note. Time is valuable and it’s the gift I want to give my children this year. I’ve already spent too much of this season trying to accomplish rather than relish.
{Thank you so much for the beautiful sweaters Dale and Shelly! You’re both so talented. Who could have guessed that both sweaters made for each respective boy as infants would fit them at the exact same time?!}
I’m hereby challenging myself to set aside goals and deadlines and spend the rest of this season giving as much of my time as possible. Those little faces need more of my patience, love, and joy! I’m pretty sure everyone could use a little more of that.
Will you join me?
Happy Advent! 🙂
