November 11, 2020. Veteran’s day, and at our house the task of the day was to bring out the Christmas tree and begin the transformation to the upcoming holiday season. This year, there was one major difference from previous years. Despite the fact that the date on the calendar was before Thanksgiving there was no grumbling from the head of the household. In fact, he encouraged the whole idea.
No worries. We did not skip Thanksgiving. Our dining room was still properly decked out in fall colors, with a ceramic turkey watching calmly from the side buffet. And in the entryway, more of the traditional pilgrim-themed knick-knacks reminded us to Give Thanks.
So why the rush to bring out the artificial evergreen, deck the fireplace mantel with empty stockings, and place the nativity scene in a spot of honor with subtle lighting of its own? One word: 2020.
By this time, you are gathering the gist of my thoughts about this year of upheaval. We have collectively learned the value of our homes, our relationships with the closest family, and our reliance on our Creator to bring us through. So what does Christmas add to the equation?
Think back to what you’ve heard and read about the first Christmas. Even back then, many parts of the world were fairly civilized. Governments had come and gone, countries traded with each other, those in power struggled to stay that way. The story of Bethlehem begins with the reason for a young couple’s journey- they were traveling to the place of the young husband’s origin to be listed on the tax rolls. Given the young wife’s condition, it was probably not the most convenient time for a trip.
You are familiar with the rest of the story. Though the young couple wouldn’t have picked this location or timing for their newborn to arrive, God had a perfect plan. With no modern communication methods, word got around quickly that something special had happened. Excited shepherds began spreading the story of angels who had interrupted a peaceful night watch with a noisy and joyous announcement. Government officials heard as well, and soon three emissaries brought lavish gifts, obviously recognizing that this baby was ordained for greatness.
This year, it seems like a long time since life has been normal. We have grown used to daily upheaval and confusion. We long for familiar routines, without the worry of keeping ourselves safe and healthy. So, just as that young couple made themselves at home in a strange, primitive location, we try to settle in and make the best of our current situation.
Just at the right time, here comes Christmas. As we get out the boxes of old decorations, we remember times when our whole family gathered. Each ornament on the tree comes with its own history. Some are home-made, others are more elaborate and expensive. There are pieces that remind us of recent winter-time vacations, and others that have graced our family’s trees for generations.
In past years, we would either be planning a trip to visit with our kids, or a vacation to a warmer location. This year, we will be spending it as we have every holiday since early spring. Just the two of us, in our favorite, safe location. At least now, the Christmas spirit is in full swing.
Christmas will not be the same this year. But, the missing ingredient we have been longing for is the same as it was in that small town so many years ago. Hope. We need it now, more than ever. We have endured, survived, and held on for months that seemed like years. We are ready to move forward into a year that returns us to some sort of normal.
So, bring on the sparkling lights, the peppermint candy canes, the fluffy white beards and Santa hats. We are ready for every song about reindeer and jingling bells. At this point, we don’t care how many times we have to listen to the same corny commercials on television, or how many bell-ringers we walk past on the streets. We are ready for Christmas.
It seems we are openly reaching out to each other a little better now than we ever have. When we promise to pray for someone, we do just that. Because we believe it will help. Because of the hope that came along with that baby in the manger. Now, more than ever, I hope you have a wonderful, joyous Christmas. We will talk again in the new year.
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