Holiday Reality Check

Growing up, Christmas was always a joyous time. Lot's of memories. What's not to enjoy about the holiday season and the celebration of the birth of Our Savior. I learned to appreciate the Celebration of Christmas even more once I left home. The anticipation of celebrating Jesus' coming and being back home with family made the time even more special. During my first few years in ministry I came to realize there was some added stress: arranging Christmas caroling for the youth group, planning the youth-led Christmas Eve service and extra parties to plan and attend.

When I moved on to my second church, it was my teammate, Pastor Bill Huener, who brought to my attention another dose of holiday reality. There is an increased need for counseling and ministries of reconciliation. Why would such a joyous season create such angst in the lives of people who were celebrating the birth of their Savior-King? Consider the following:

Christmas present might not match up to the memories of Christmas past. We all have expectations in terms of what Christmas is to be like. When reality doesn't match our expectations we feel let down and cheated.

Memories We might also have episodes of grief as we remember those who are not present. It becomes magnified if they have died. It' natural to miss them more during the holidays.

Reality: We don't all get along. Nothing can dampen the holiday spirit like having to be with a relative that don't like. Tensions rise as we have to spend time with people who the rest of the year annoy and frustrate us.

So how do we prevent a Christmas Blow-up? I think it begins by focusing on the real reason for the season. We are commemorating the birth of our Savior. That Savior delivers both grace and hope. What a better time to apply that grace? After all, isn't one name for the Christ Child, The Prince of Peace. That peace has to begin with me. As for those Christmas Blues: Remember that the Christ Child brings the ultimate gift of hope. The greatest celebration of Christmas is yet to come. That will happend when we are all together in heaven. Finally, Putting aside our feelings and expectations might be the greatest gift that we give to our children this Christmas.