I drove by our local Christmas tree "farm" (tent) today, and they had a big sign that said "Christmas trees, wreaths, and grave blankets." At first I felt startled, like they were being joy stealers. I don't want to think about death. I want to think about Christmas lights, Christmas carols, and peppermint mochas from Starbucks. Then in a split second I grew up and realized that there are many people who have a lot more to worry about this season than what to feed the reindeer or how to coordinate their wrapping paper designs. I felt very emotional the rest of my drive to meet my friend for lunch. I was thinking back on the years that my sister was suffering with her brain disease, her first brain surgery, and the fear we felt while we waited for the surgeons to finish and let us know something. Then a few years ago my mother-in-law was diagnosed with leukemia. Thank God both of these women are doing great now, but I also know that not everyone gets to see the happy ending in this life. There are a lot of people who are suffering at Christmas because they miss someone they love. Christmas seems to revolve around families, and many who could otherwise suppress it are being forced to face their loneliness. As we pause to remember why we're celebrating CHRISTmas in the first place, let's remember the holy night that changed the world forever because of the hope that Christ brings. Isaiah talks about why God sent His Son--"to preach good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release prisoners from darkness."
The greatest Christmas song ever written (in my opinion) is "O Holy Night," written by a wine merchant in 1847. The words talk about this very idea, of the holy night that Christ was born to break the chains of sin. Every time I hear it, I feel compelled to stop whatever I'm doing and just worship. My YouTube options for this song were limited to Josh Groban, Mariah Carey, Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood, and Celine Dion. I picked Celine. Enjoy.
5 comments:
We had a young woman and her 14-year-old son come in to order Angel Food today. I commented on the boy's beautiful eyes, and she said, "He has his father's eyes. (and to ther son), you probably don't even remember him do you?" The boy said he didn't remember. And the young woman began to cry. She said she's been widowed a while, but the holidays are so difficult for her. How truly blessed we are if we have friends and family around us. Even if they're not 100% healthy, just their loving presence is worth more than money.
Way to go...I was already feeling a little emotional. You're right, though; it's easy to forget about those in less-than-ideal situations at this time of year.
I listened to Celine twice and had to YouTube the other versions as well. What a great way to get into the holiday spirit!
I just like how your title mentioned that you were "keeping it real".
I'm so glad we got to chat about this topic the other night. I totally agree that O Holy Night is my favorite too. It does make you fall on your knees, literally. I love how my church is remembering those less fortunate this year (and for the last three years). We're apart of the Advent Conspiracy http://www.adventconspiracy.org/ and give to an organization called Living Water International http://www.water.cc/. We only buy three gifts for our children (and try to make them more meaningful for others - or make them) and give the money we save to Living Water...My daughter (3) also helped me go through all of our toys (because I told her some kids don't have a lot of toys) and gave away 3 garbage bags full of toys and books that (she decided) weren't being played with. She would say, "This one is for a boy/girl" and "We don't need this one, mommy." Brought tears to my eyes. We're going to give them to some families (through my husband's co-worker that does small groups in North Saint Louis) that would really play with them. Bringing back the real meaning of Christmas to my kids (even though it's really to help me) is making a huge impact on our family...and keeping the stress of Christmas (shopping etc.) at bay.
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