A picture came in the mail yesterday of our Compassion International sponsor girl from El Salvador, whom we met in September. I put it by my desk to be reminded of her often. I wonder what Christmas is like for those kids. Will they have a nicely decorated tree, stockings full of treats and sweets? Will they get to eat a nice meal with their family and open presents on Christmas morning?
The commercials on TV tell me that the joys of the season are found in this or that purchase. But have you ever thought it is ironic that next Christmas all those advertised items will be old and probably seldom used?
Silent night. Holy night. All is calm. All is bright.
Silence and calm aren't found in shopping malls and parking lots. It's the opposite. People are in a hurry, so you better not stop them! They want their shopping done fast and dinner ready faster. But why am I saying "they"? I'm often that way too, I'm sad to say.
The movies show us pictures of tight-knit families sharing laughter and meals on Christmas day. But those are just actors getting paid to do that! What do they look like in their private lives, on Christmas day with their real families? I wonder if it's laughter and joyous gatherings like the movies portray.
I think we forget that Christmas isn't about us. And the picture of El Salvador's children reminds me of that. The heart of this season is about worshiping our Savior and giving Him the attention He's due.
I've been pondering this a bit, so I came up with some things I'll do differently this Christmas:
1. Spend more time in awe of the miracle of Jesus' birth, and read the Gospels.
2. Take the inconveniences of life more lightly. What if the turkey burned a bit? Or the cookies turned out wrong? Or the presents weren't ready in time? Would I react to those circumstances well?
3. Sing the old Christmas carols and meditate on their truth more. "The hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight." What does that mean for me right now?
For those of us who attend church every week, it's normal to agree that when we come to church and worship God with other believers, it's not about us. It's about worshiping God. But after church is over and I say goodbye to friends and leave those church doors, life throws a curve ball and I forget that Monday through Saturday is about worship too.
When we worship God, everything is in the right perspective. God is with us, and nothing seems too difficult to face... not the trials of life or the questions we have. And because we were created to worship, when we do we will find meaning in life and purpose to live for Him each day.
