Back in the day, as a member of a social committee, I was tasked with designing the Christmas party invitations. I just finished the outline when a colleague came into my office and discreetly closed the door behind him. He informed me he didn’t believe in too many things, let alone Christmas. In addition, he admitted he lacked the Spirit of Christmas. He went on to say that he wasn’t a Christian and didn’t engage in any aspect of religion. He came from a family of unbelievers who took part in the parties, gift exchanges, celebrations, and that’s as far as it went. His request, to remove the word Christmas and replace it with holiday. That got me to thinking. Can Christmas be only for a select few understanding its meaning, with the rest just in it for the festivities?
This led me to take a quick office survey on whether the invitation should read holiday or Christmas. Outnumbered and to keep the peace, I had changed it to holiday. After all, it’s all about goodwill. Besides, we can’t force our beliefs on anyone. With love, hope, and acceptance, we continue to shed some light in a part of life we sometimes question, and perhaps at times, hide. Could this be the reason so many people experience emptiness when the Christmas season draws nigh? The unmistakable void and the feeling something is missing. Perhaps, there’s something more… but what?
WHAT’S MISSING?
Maybe we were misled, misinformed, and misguided until eventually the Spirit of Christmas was misplaced altogether. We somehow lost the meaning along the way. Something was set off course as we found ourselves shoulder to shoulder in the malls, on the way to the umpteenth party, or as we wrapped the gifts. Nevertheless, we get caught up in the frenzy and more often than not, get carried away.
We go about doing what we always do best during the season. At times, getting lost. Lost in all the excitement. We add glitter and sparkle to our homes. We run around trying to find the perfect gift. But the perfect gift was delivered over two thousand years ago. The present was exceptionally generous. It was God’s grace, His Divine gift of love, swaddled in the manger with three kings enchanted by the presence.
WHAT IS THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS?
It’s really a celebration of gratitude. An acknowledgment. Grateful for the greatest gift humanity has ever received… the gift of Love. We carry this gift throughout life, in our thoughts, hearts, and prayers. As we celebrate freely and joyfully each year. Furthermore, it goes beyond the mysterious wrapped gifts we offer, outside the razzle-dazzle of festivities, and twinkling lights. If we eliminated all the delights the season ushers in, we would still receive His love.
We celebrate the birth of God’s Son, born into this world stepping into our lives. Regardless how messy and disordered our lives may be. He enters not only our lives, but our hearts, and sheds light on our hopes. Moreover, We not only open our homes during this time but we open our eyes, seeing as if for the very first time. We tend to see things in a different light at Christmas. Christmas is an interlude whereby we perceive the magnificence of creation, honoring the value of friends, family, and life. Although this time of year seems to be all about giving, there are gifts that go beyond what’s sitting on store shelves. It’s the gifts we tend to overlook. The gift of expression… expression of love and appreciation.
THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS RESIDES WITHIN
A Time to look beyond. Beyond the wrapped packages. Beyond what we physically see and touch. The intangible elements are the most meaningful gifts. Gifts we can’t place a price tag on for it’s priceless. The invaluable gifts of respect, understanding, love, attention, and something as simple as a smile. These personalized gifts come straight from the heart. Perhaps now’s the time to call that person. Is someone in need of an apology? Apologize. Does someone require forgiveness? Forgive. Search your heart. See not only the reason for the season but understand that God sees His perfect creation and gently moves in and through the Spirit of Christmas. We are perfection in the eyes of God, and the gift He chose expressed His love.
May you have the gladness of Christmas, which is hope; The spirit of Christmas, which is peace; The heart of Christmas, which is love.