Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store.... What if Christmas, perhaps.... means a little bit more? (Dr. Seuss)
I'm sure we would all agree with that statement, and yet we still get caught up in the whole "store" thing. The past couple of years, Christmas has looked VERY different for me, and I'm still trying to figure this year out. ( I am also 4 months without my thyroid medicine, so it is affecting me in every way)
Last year, Grace Fellowship, in Johnson City, did a sermon series called, "What I NEED FROM Christmas." Hope, Peace, Joy..... So, that is what I wrapped up and put under the tree. We didn't have money to buy anything, so we didn't. The guilt that came from not being able to bothered me too.
We would love to be able to buy the children, grandchildren all kinds of things all year, but we can't now, so we have to come to grips with that. What is it that we can do?
Now, this year is even more different. We are away from them as well as not being able to send them anything. I think we have both just ignored it so far. The weather is 75-80 so not very "christmasy," we are still in hotel at moment ... so no decorations, no Christmas music... ( I did try today, but couldn't do it)
Christmas is Christ's birthday and a time for love. Sure, it is a time for family. I miss lots of things, and know that my actions have resulted in the consequences, so it is now a time for reflection and some sadness. Todd and I are trying to figure out just what IS Christmas this year? We have been ignoring it, but truly do not want to do that either. It IS a celebration of Christ's birthday. WE CAN do that. We can love those He has put in our path at this season.
We keep having these "firsts" and hopefully some "lasts" too. He is teaching us many things through all this. I just want to always be his student. I want to learn whatever it is, the first time through.
We do know that He has a plan. We are thankful for our families and our new church family. I am thankful for my friends far away- and my few new ones here.
Bob Hope said, "My idea of Christmas, whether old fashioned or modern, is very simple; loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?"
WHY DO WE? We don't.
So, this year, with no music, no tree, no gifts, no family.... we will CELEBRATE that Christ came to give us HIS hope, joy, peace and eternal life. We will try and share that with all those we come in contact with this season and always.
