Holidays

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“Jesus is the reason for the season.” We’ve all seen it on signs and buttons. We display it on doormats and car bumpers. We share it with phone messages and Christmas cards. But Jesus is more than the reason for the season…Jesus IS the season.

Every year the family Christmas tree shines in all its glory from an honored place in many home’s front rooms; its branches laden with memories and tinsel as colored lights scream, "look at me." One stands in my front room this very minute. At night my daughter and I stare at it for hours; picking out various ornaments and attaching the correct story and memory to each. Yet, every year after a few short days it lies desolate by the curb.

Every year our home bursts with laurel and lights; candles in every window; angels, Santa figures, reindeer and snowman of every size and shape occupying every flat surface except the stove burners. And every year they are packed away again with little thought until December roles around again.

Every year the oven in our kitchen groans in weary labor as it continuously pumps out cookies of every shape, brownies of every color, gingerbread for houses, and shortbread for carolers. And every year the aromas disappear to make way for the more practical smells of baking chicken and meat.

We love them and look forward to them; yet entertain them for only a short time. Why do they come and go so quickly? Because in our hearts, as much as we enjoy them and weave them into the fabric of our holiday, we know they are only accessories to a much more glorious garment; a garment that is not only worn a few days and then packed away. This is a garment that we wear every day.

They are the shadows of the season…Jesus IS the season. He is the reason, the music, the light and the hope of the season. He is its breath and its heart; He is the cradle that lies in the shadow of a cross; the sacrifice of coming and the sacrifice of going. And one day the glory of His returning (actually “Joy to the World” is the only carol we sing to celebrate that day, but I digress).

We have a star atop our tree. He had a star atop His birthplace. We have our tree full of memories of love. He hung on a tree and became our Love. We have figures of angels to decorate our homes. He has angels to worship and serve Him. We have the shadows…He is the light.

So, this year go ahead and fill your home with all the Christmas accessories of your family holiday both present and past. Take in the sights and sounds and smells. Fill the air with laughter and song. Then do this: At midnight Christmas Eve/Morn walk outside, lift your face to the stars and your hands to the heavens and allow yourself to slip into that Garment as you embrace the Light.

Then try not to explode with Joy…I dare you!

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