Almost Christmas...

It's been so weird to me to NOT shop this year for presents.  HARD actually!  And that has made me ponder the whole deal of Christmas and how we are so conditioned to view it and participate in it.  I'm torn a little with loving all the hoopla that goes into this holiday - the lights, tree, presses, great food, friends and family gathering, Christmas carols… and if you're really lucky… SNOW.  That sure helps to make the season bright in MY mind!  I grew up in Hawaii not having cold Christmases but ever since living in California where there are actually seasons, and the cold really is COLD, I find I miss it now being in another country where Christmas means time at the beach and SUN.  (That could be debatable if you judge from the last few days!  Not much sun around these parts.)  I sure would love being in some snow right now!!

Yesterday I was in a store and the girl behind the counter was talking to a co-worker and said, "I HATE Christmas carols!!  Every store I go into they are blaring… and I'm so over it".  Wow.  Really??  I'd listen to Christmas music all year long, except that it would wreck the specialness of them at Christmastime.  Another friend on Facebook said, "I'd rather cut off both my hands than have to listen to another Christmas song".  REALLY??  Sad.  I'm guessing both of these people really haven't experienced the Jesus of Christmas… so all the songs are dumb and meaningless.  I guess I can understand that - considering.

What do you think Jesus would do if he were here on His birthday?  How would He celebrate?  Would he put up a tree… drink eggnog… make Christmas cookies for the neighbors?  hmm.  I don't know.  But I can picture him throwing a HUGE party and inviting the poor and the needy… inside and outside poor and needy… no one would be excluded… and I think he would show love to them like they've never seen before.  I think he'd explain to them why he was born in the first place, and how that part isn't even the really GREAT part of the story - but he'd do this big build up to Easter Sunday - the day when all history was changed forever!  His birth wouldn't be all that exciting without Easter Sunday, after all.

I LOVE Christmas!!  It's hands down my favorite season.  And I think I've realized something this year… as I've been "anti-presents" for those who already have so much (myself included).  I think I needed this break in order to gain some much-needed perspective.  It's not about NOT giving or receiving gifts… but it's about balance.  If we are only spending ridiculous amounts of money on each other… and completely ignoring those around us who have nothing… then I think we're out of balance.  This year for me - it was ALL about those who have nothing.  Next year I think I'll go back to giving presents again… but only in balance with still looking after those most in need.  I think that's a good compromise, don't you?

Wouldn't it be great if we all started some new traditions this year?  (or next year if it's too late this time around)  Traditions that include thinking outside ourselves and our circle of family and friends to show some love to those who are trying desperately to survive this harsh world?  I want that in my life, and in the lives of my friends and family.  I want us all to love as Jesus loved… and not be so caught up in US.  

So… to my friends who have endured my swing this year… thanks for your understanding.  Thanks to those of you who also "get it" and have jumped in with me to do this.  I know we have blessed many and it's been fun doing it together!!  I hope it has changed you in some way… brought more balance maybe if that was needed.  It certainly has changed me!

"For unto you is born this day in the City of David… a Saviour who is Christ the Lord".  Thank you Jesus for being born… and thanks for the warmth of this season celebrating all that is truly Christmas.  I am pretty sure you enjoy it too.  Happy birthday!  xx