I am spending the evening finishing up my chocolate truffles, baking the last of the banana bread, and mixing the last few batches of hot cocoa. Hopefully I'll get to those Christmas cards. I had a heck of a time finding "Jesus" cards at Target. The closest they would come would be "peace on earth, goodwill toward men" but would not cite the bible verse. They were very pretty though. I ended up finding nice ones at Walmart. I make an effort to send cards with a Jesus-centered message, just to briefly remind my friends and family who should be in the center of all this shopping, gifting, baking, glitz, and bustling-- not us. ;-) Like the other 364 days of the year, it is never about what we do, but who God is. I don't really like the phrase "Jesus is the reason for the season" because Jesus is the reason for every season.
The crunch and beauty of the snow, glazed smoothness of the ice, crisp and invigorating fresh scent of the the winter air remind me that Christmas is a time when we celebrate a Saviour is born, but also a time to celebrate that everything in the world, in nature, in my life, exalts the beauty and love of God.
The celebration we call Christmas originated from pagan winter celebrations that have gone on for centuries (such as Roman Saturnalia and Scandanavian Yule) that were flavored Christian. Traditions, such as erecting a tree in the home (Germany) and gift-giving (Roman Saturnalia) have were a part of these pagan celebrations, but as a Christian, my celebration does not stop here; my appreciation for these traditions arises to a different level. I admire the beauty of our Christmas tree propped in our sliding glass door. Viewed from outside, I am enamored with the blazing twinkle of the lights. It is beautiful. The star on top, and the gradual expanse of the branches from top to bottom is symbolic to me. Each ornament, representative to some aspect of our lives, all culminates under the single Star. Behind, next to, and in front of each ornament is the glow of lights. Our lives our illuminated by the Light, we and everything in our lives is under the watchful love and mercy of the Star. Giving starts with the Star; we are able to give because he gave to us. Gift-giving also is of special significance. I am called to give all 365 days a year, but through the Christmas season I am reminded of this call as I contemplate what our Christmas gift to each of our family members should be, and as I carefully wrap each gift to look beautiful. Christmas is not just giving and receiving presents, nor is it about doing this because Jesus gave us a gift (though this is a wonderful start!). Christmas is a time to celebrate the life and love we are freely given by God the Father, to celebrate and appreciate this world we have received, the tradition we've received from our ancestors (whether pagan or Christian) and practice each year, and reflect on the impact of God's great mercy in our lives.
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