“Believing in Christmas”

The word Christmas brings various images to our minds. Everything from sugarplums to manger scenes come to mind. Reflecting on past Christmases reminds me of what makes the season enjoyable. Believing!

A small child lies in bed struggling to find sleep. The mind races like the wind seeking a place of stillness. First the head moves from side to side and then the body follows. A contest rages between the sheets and the mattress over the most twists and turns. After a dozen trips to the bathroom to get a drink of water, and to peek into the living room, the body surrenders and lapses into a short but deep sleep. Why is sleep so difficult? The child believes!

The adult sits with pen and paper writing, striking through, and rewriting; making a list and checking it twice. The mind races like a whirlwind with so many things to do. “Is there enough time to complete all that needs to be done?” Mom scurries from store to store, arms loaded beyond capacity, and the clock hands sweep away the seconds. Sunday arrives and with a renewed strength the song “Away in the Manger” is sung with deep emotions. A small tear is wiped from the eye. The stillness of “that evening” brings peace like the warmth of a fireside. Why does such hustle and bustle turn struggle into joy? Believing!

The years between “believing” and BELIEVING are empty years. The joy of the season is lost in the activities and commercialism of the day. “Why all the fuss,” drips like bitter water from the lips, and struggle within turns the joy into bitterness.

God thought we were worth “all the fuss.” He sent his Son, Jesus, so that we might believe. Believing is such a joy. Do you want to BELIEVE again?

Pastor Tony