It Is Christmas Coming and so are the Millennials

I recall a conversation I had with a pastor teammate many years ago.  I was busy preparing for the various holiday activities; caroling with the youth group and the children’s Christmas service.  In addition to planning the worship services he was busy visiting the many shut-ins who were members of the church.  When I remarked how I was looking forward to the time away visiting family out of town on the day after Christmas he made a statement that surprised me.  He was staying in town because he anticipated some “issues” within the church family.  The puzzled look on my face prompted his response.  “When family members who don’t get along the rest of the year are forced to spend time together, all kinds of things can happen.” 

The reality is Christmas does carry with it certain expectations.  While we picture families gathered around the tree exchanging gifts and joining to sing carols at the piano, more often there is discord and strife.  Grudges and feelings that are buried the rest of the year can come bubbling up when we have to spend time with people for whom we have very conflicted feeling.  The good news of the Savior’s Birth can be drowned out by the realities of a sinful world. 

Unfortunately many families are facing similar circumstances when their millennial children return home for Christmas.   We look forward to spending time as a family but cannot put aside the fact that they might have made choices and decisions we do not agree with.  As a result we might have an agenda.  We see the opportunity to discuss the fact that they are not attending church or making moral decisions that run counter to our values. 

My prayer is that the peace of the Christ Child might come and dwell within your home this Christmas.  The sharing of that “Christmas Peace” must begin with you.  Jesus comes into the midst of our brokenness, including the fractured relationships that exist within families.  Our goal should be to let those we meet see the Christ Child in us.  Put aside the personal agendas and let the “peace of Christ” dwell in you richly.  Perhaps the time together in the serenity of Christmas will provide a platform for a time of reconciliation down the road.