And then we decided to wrap some empty boxes to
also use as home decorations. Now, imagine two small grandkids
coming over and already seeing Christmas trees and gifts. It was
still pre-Thanksgiving on the calendar but just one glimpse of trees
and wrapped presents sent those little hearts a swirling.
“Is it Christmas time?” my grandson asked with twinkles in his eyes
and ravenous desire to tear into those wrapped boxes. “No, not yet,
but soon,” I chuckled. But then a pause. Where did that joy for
Christmas go in me?
Christmas used to feel more innocent. Maybe it was my youthfulness.
Maybe it was my life inexperience. Maybe it was that I just hadn’t
lived through enough pain and struggle and heartache yet.
The world has a way of sucking the joy out of everything, especially
holidays. But I remember I used to be more excited for Christmas.
Are those days gone now that I’m an adult? Am I too mature for a
Christmas spirit? Have I witnessed too much disappointment to be
enamored by twinkling lights and gift wrapped boxes and children
dreaming of the perfect present? I hope not!
What’s the answer?
Back to those empty boxed Christmas presents. They are just
decorations.
But one powerful metaphor: We all know someone who is just like
those boxes. People who are well-wrapped on the outside but nothing
inside. People who go through this world focused more on the
wrapping than who they are inwardly. Any chance I allowed that to be
me? I fear it might.
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And then the reality I’m longing for Christmas as it
used to be. Or, I’m simply longing. First step to healing is
admitting there is a problem. If you share my condition, there is
hope!
I want to invite you to join us at Lincoln Christian Church this
Christmas season as we find answers to our “Longing for Christmas”
series.
Remember, Christmas begins on the inside of us and then works its
way out. We are left with a choice, go through life empty? Or fill
the space and fill the longing.
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