Sunday, December 23, 2012

"Real Christmas" by Default

How often have I heard "Christmas is about family?" Christmas movies proclaim it. Hallmark markets it. And I truly believed it.

Presents are fun, but I could really take them or leave them, as long as my family is near by. Same with our traditions. It's comfortable and happy to have Chinese food featuring Dad's egg rolls every Christmas Eve, and to have Dad pray before we open our gifts around the lit tree, saving stockings for the morning. But if there weren't many presents, or we didn't eat the traditional food, Christmas wouldn't be that different for me, because it's about having those I love close by. It really means family to me.

So, being in another country, having family stripped away and Christmas still approaching, is making me think... and think hard. About the real meaning.

The Christmas that involved...

Mary, most likely terrified, yet courageous... having maternal hopes and dreams for her human son, even though she knew that she had no control over the future of this God Son.
Joseph, betrayed, yet not bitter... willingly stepping into the role of step-father to a child that he had to take on faith was not some other man's.
Innkeepers all over Bethlehem, missing out on the greatest night in history.
Shepherds, ordinary lives interrupted by something beyond imagination, running to see if the angels had spoken truth.
And -
Jesus, coming to earth for me. ME.

We sing cutesy songs about how He left heaven for us... but I've made myself think about that in ways I never have before. Dwelling on what it would mean to go from resplendent glory, having the adoration and respect of all creation, to a smelly stable... Going from omniscient God to an infant who was incapable of doing or thinking anything. And as He got older the human longing of any little boy to grow up into a man, yet knowing that when that happened His purpose here on earth would have to be fulfilled... painfully. Brutally. With finality.

Mom sent me a message the other day, talking about how different this Christmas season is for her as well... first one since Darren was born that none of us kids have been home. And what she wrote has been ringing in my head and heart:

"One thing I'm finding about this Christmas season is that because I'm not focused on getting ready for Family or getting ready to go see Family...

I ask more, "What would YOU have me do today to bless others?"
 
It's like Real Christmas by default or something."

And though I'm still a weepy mess every time I hear "I'll Be Home for Christmas," I'm trying with every ounce in me to have a "Real Christmas by Default."

Because Christmas IS so much bigger than family.

Christmas is about a Baby. Who grew up to be a Sacrifice. And will come in the clouds as King.

3 comments:

  1. We can do this Christmas together, Sweetheart. A Real Christmas. All the others have been real too, but this one is from a whole new perspective.

    Glad you could put it into such eloquent words.

    Amen and XOXOXO

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    Replies
    1. Merry Christmas from all the Fulones! Hope all is well with you and Phil. Much, much love to you. <3

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  2. Happy Christmas, Lindsay. You are on my heart often...lifting you up to the throne in prayer...

    I love you! May the Lord bless and keep you in His tender care...

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