It’s Christmas morning. The house is peaceful and still. We don’t have kids at home anymore, so the chaotic living room floor is no longer in play. The weather isn’t very cooperative. I prefer cold temps and snow; neither have arrived. Kenny took a quick hike around the property to check raccoon traps and received his gift in duplicate. My phone is already invading the quiet with texts from family and friends in matching pajamas. Young ones are hoping candy is on the breakfast menu. Teenagers and young adults appear mildly engaged, but mostly wondering if all of this could’ve waited until closer to noon. (In their defense, it IS only 8 am.)
The past few days at work (and in various other settings), I’ve had more than a few conversations with people who are simply weary. No single theme emerged. Or did it? A variety of, “It just doesn’t seem like Christmas”. There were also a few, “We spend more time going everywhere than we do with anyone”. Trying to make decisions and prioritize can be brutal. Someone is always left unhappy and probably exhausted.
But the comments that wrecked my heart sounded more like, “Why can’t I have a normal family?” Or, “Why don’t I have any good memories of Christmas? It’s always a complete disaster”.
I’ve been a fan of Charlie Brown and Snoopy for as long as I can recall. The Christmas special debuted in 1965 before I was even born. Over the years, I related to different characters for a variety of reasons based on what was going on in my life. But the truth of the story remained. Every time. Without fail I was steered back to what really mattered. Linus spoke those timeless words from the angel announcement, “Fear not……..BEHOLD…..”
Early in the fall I began sensing a nudge from God to study or consider “behold”. I wrote a blog, I read anything I could get my hands on, and that word continued to show up. It even became the theme for our church in this Christmas season.
When I look back at those words in their original context, it’s so simple. Just a baby lying in a feed trough. It didn’t make sense. None of it. And yet that’s the command. Fear not. Behold. The epitome of trust. No striving. Just keep your eyes on Jesus. The gifts being brought? They don’t matter. The chores to do? Nope.
Behold Jesus when your prodigal doesn’t come around and you don’t get a phone call. Behold Him when your parent dies the week before Christmas. Behold when your traditions aren’t continuing. Behold when your memories aren’t the same as the Hallmark movies depict. Behold Him. The King of Kings. The LORD of Lords. The reason we celebrate. Will we look different? Will the world ask questions? Yes. And I’m okay with that.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Luke 2:10-22 ~ And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord”.
Michele,
These words and truths truly resonate the sentiment I had been feeling. I too have poured myself into His word the last few days to find comfort as i wondered if there was something wrong with me, and my Christmas spirit this year. God answered as he does through songs, Bible verse devotionals and through friends sent by him. In fact it’s made this Christmas more meaningful and I found the peace and joy even in the stillness of cancelled plans. All is working out in his way, not mine, and I’m grateful for that! His way is always better. I love your words, and your heart. Reading this tonight gives me peace, I’m alright, I am not alone in my thoughts . On this day to celebrate the birth of Jesus…. Behold….Immanuel….God is with us. Thank you! Keep shining your light!
Thanks for reading and commenting, Kay. Merry Christmas!!