As I write this, it’s Monday, November 23. Some of the major cable television networks have begun, and have already began, running Christmas movies. We watched one of these movies last night that was all about the notion of grace. It was about looking past imperfections and human expectations to look into our hearts.
Christmas is as much about unhappiness as it is about happiness. Jesus came to pave a path from the unhappiness of sin, mistakes, and misguided human expectations to a path of life and happiness in God’s love.
The cultural ideal of Christmas might be hard to find, but the true joy of Christmas remains abundant. It cannot be taken from anybody, and it is there for everybody. The peace and happiness that can only be found in God’s love is a gift that is always under everybody’s tree, whether the tree is real or imaginary. The grace that wipes away sin, mistakes, and unmet expectations is in the air waiting for us to let it work in our lives.
One of, if not THE, primary human desires is happiness. If you want to experience, and share, happiness this holiday season here are some steps to do so:
* Enjoy the company of your family and friends. This might mean forgiving and/or forgetting things they’ve done, or do, that you don’t like. * Watch at least one good Christmas movie. If the spirit of Christmas makes you laugh, laugh out loud with gusto. If the spirit of Christmas brings a tear to your eye, let it flow. (Yes, guys, it takes a lot more courage to let a tear roll than to pretend we’re too tough for emotion!)
* Sing some Christmas carols, or at least joyfully listen to some. * Talk to some kids about Christmas, or, eavesdrop on kids Christmas conversations. Uninhibited, unimpeded Christmas excitement is contagious! * Speaking of kids: Come and watch or help with our Kids Christmas Activity Time on December 13 from noon to 1 PM. * Help someone else have a Merry Christmas. There are numerous ways: Right here you can donate a box of cereal, a dozen sugar cookies, toys, money, etc. to our Hicksville community Christmas project efforts. * (Shameless plug: God see “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Huber Opera House.) * Come to any of our holiday worship services, especially our Christmas Eve service! * Most of all, in any and all of these things, find a way to let God’s grace and love wash over you and experience that joy, even in the @#%^& of life!
