Ever since I was a little boy, I have loved Christmas. Perhaps in theory alone, Christmas is the perfect blend of hope and joy coupled with magnificent imagination, abounding anticipation, and a grand sense of goodwill toward men. It serves as a yearly reckoning; a time when we lay down our politics, differences, preconceived notions and just revel in the sanctity of Christmas, whatever the nature of the season means to you.
If Christmas needs snow then…
Maybe this Christmas, snow will color your landscape and give you and your little ones the gift of a picture worth a thousand words, a vision wrapped neatly in Mother Nature’s paper; nary a footprint on the packaging.
If Christmas is highlighted by gifts then….
Possibly under a beautifully decorated Christmas tree trimmed in red and gold is a package that will mean much more to you than any other gift conceivable. Inside the parcel, nothing overtly materialistic, a chain for a pocket watch, a set of decorative combs, but priceless to you nevertheless; a perfect sentiment doused in sacrifice and generosity, a gift ala the Magi.
If Christmas isn’t Christmas without togetherness then…
Perhaps you can bask in the love of family and friends gathered together inside the warmth of the paternal home, children wide-eyed in anticipation, confections and comfort foods dotting the countertops like islands of delight amidst a sea of plenty. The hustle and bustle of the external world unanswered for a single day while new memories are made and old memories relived.
Regardless of fancy words and phrases, Christmas means so much to so many. As for me, Christmas is essentially Christmas; an indescribable phenomenon tightly wrapped with the fabric of my soul, the season of light of which all other seasons pale in comparison.
Christmas is the silence in the solitude of Christmas Eve, highlighted by subtle frost-covered landscapes absorbing all clatter, the stars illuminating the holy night for those of us who dare slip outside for a moment of contemplation. It is an overwhelming moment shared by very few days yet unexplainable unless experienced.
Christmas is the reflection of twinkling lights and metallic playthings in the ample eyes of our children, their sheer delight more awesome than any gift ever received. Thus, in the act of giving, we also receive; perhaps the true nature of the Christmas spirit reveal, yet often hard to capture in words.
Christmas is the blessing of the church on Christmas Eve, hymns of faith, candles aglow, and congregations gathered. It is community and family huddled together in celebration of the birth of Christ. It is an irreplaceable feeling exclusive to Christmas, a feeling of radiance in a world dominated by darkness, a victory of heavenly hosts and redeeming grace.
Christmas is the massive anticipation of Christmas morning, parents and children both sharing in common the notion that this holy day yields the most splendid, enchanting, and humbling sentiment imaginable.
While Christmas may be different for everyone, it is in this most wonderful difference that we find true harmony in diversity and peace amongst the masses while the true spirit of Christmas cradles the world…if only for a day. At least, that is what Christmas is to me.
Just a thought!
Merry Christmas Everyone!
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