That phrase has always really bugged me. It seems like people are throwing in your face, like if you enjoy Christmas trees, presents or egg nog that there is something wrong with your soul. So I've never been one to put much stock in repeating it.
Really, Christmas was never a huge deal in my house. Sure, we had our presents and time with family... but I was an only child, only grandchild on my dad's side for awhile, and way younger than all my cousin's on my mom's side. So I've never got super crazed about Christmas.
Not much changed as an adult. Maybe the problem is that I feel like Christmas somewhat exploits the things that I already love. Like, giving presents. I LOVE to give presents, and assure people that I think about them when they aren't around...that I know what they might like...tha I love them. Then there is this holiday where everyone is forced to do it for everyone. It loses a good chunk of the meaning for me.
Or songs about Jesus. I like my fair share of songs about Him. But, there is something odd to me that for a month or so, it's everywhere -- a whole radio station changes to just be Christmas music...it's in every department store....all the sudden I'm hearing theology in the form of a song while I'm picking out my toothpaste. And I don't mind that for ME...but something in me gets sad that it's just a familiar tune that can be blocked out for the most of society.
Now, before you decide that I'm a total bah-hum-bug -er, I need to mention that this year, I officially got in the Christmas spirit last night. Something about Frank Sinatra's Christmas tunes turned something over in my soul. And I'm really really really excited about the idea of Christmas this year.
There's something of childlike anticipation that I want to recover. Little kids can't wait to open up their carefully wrapped packages...they stay up all night, just imagining what will happen when the sun rises. And as cheesy as it sounds, I think that it falls in line with "The Reason For the Season" junk.
I want to know what it was like to anticipate Jesus and have him show up on the scene all the sudden. I want Him to show up like that every day in my life.
And maybe that's what I'm so excited about this Christmas. Anticipation.
Maybe this will be a pretty great Christmas.
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1 comment:
i've been thinking a lot about christmas tonight as well. i've been beading for my christmas cards (and putting tiny beads on tiny wire gives you a lot of thinking time). and you are quite right, christmas and all it's meanings has been completely and unfairly exploited, but the heart of it all is rare and beautiful...and i'm sure there is a super cheesy christmas song playing right now on KOSI 101.1 that says, 'have the christmas spirit all year round' but how amazing would that really be (if it wasn't just so lame to say!!)
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