It’s so pervasive.
Songs, shopping, Santa.
Sometimes we feel it.
Sometimes we don’t.
Warm memories fill our hearts.
Sad realities replay over again in our minds.
It’s fun.
It’s obligatory.
Rooted in faith.
Embedded in culture.
Yet, it is real.
Though, we have made it fake.
It was simple.
Though, we have overbooked it.
It was humble.
Though, we have made it lavish.
It was a difficult time.
Though, we have made it festive.
It drew together some very unlikely people, foreigners and outcasts.
Though, we hang out with our own tribe.
Still, it can draw us together in divisive times.
It can give us something to celebrate in difficult times.
It can make us humble amidst the festivities.
It can be commemorated in a simple way instead of getting out of hand.
It can remind us of God’s love instead of our loss.
It can point us to the one who understands everything we go through.
It can encourage us by remembering that God knows all about us, but loves us anyway.
Merry Christmas, My Friends!
Merry Christmas to you and your family.