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 A tree.
Now the choices: real or artificial? With the
former: short needles or long needles? Tall or short? And don’t
forget about the mess: sap, fallen needles, bare spots. Consider an
artificial tree: Massive or pencil style? Plain or flocked? On the
plus side this one will last for years, less mess, symmetrical; but
alas no fresh pine aroma permeating the house.
Gifts.
Is there enough money? Oh no—is that the same
thing we got Grandpa last year? Did we spend evenly for each kid?
When will we have time to wrap them? Where can we hide them? What
about stocking stuffers?
Celebrating.
How do we spend time with both sides of the
family? Should we open gifts Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? How
many Christmas “events” can our schedules/budget handle? Is there
time for holiday baking? How do we create a Christmas tradition of
our own?
Is it any wonder American sociologists call the Christmas Season the
most stressful time of year? We seem to be in a hurry to do
everything bigger and better than: last year. . . or our neighbors.
. . or just because we can. Why do Americans run pell-mell into this
“joyous” season, jeopardizing health and happiness?
Speaking of jeopardizing, let’s play a little “Jeopardy” right now:
Answer: December 25
Question: What is the day we traditionally celebrate
Christmas?
Answer: Give gifts
Question: What is one way to celebrate special occasions?
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Answer: Jesus.
Question: Who do we celebrate at Christmas?
Thank You, Heavenly Father, thank You for the tree: the one
for His manger bed and the one that became His cross. Thank You for
sending us the ultimate gift: Your only Son. Thank You for making a
way and celebrating it with us.
Michael Mallick, senior pastor
JeffStreet Christian Church
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