The past two Christmas Seasons have been completely different than any Christmas we have experienced in our married lives. As we have walked through life's transitions, we find ourselves viewing the Christmas Season through new lenses.
Previously our Christmas Seasons were so full; often beginning on "Black Friday" with the fun of shopping for deals while listening to Christmas music being played in every store, restaurant, waiting room, elevator, etc. The Season quickly shifted towards the boys' school Christmas programs, Christmas parades, Christmas parties, Christmas crafts, etc. Weekends were often full of baking cookies, having friends over for parties, Christmas concerts and many more activities. Once school let out for break, the days were full of traveling to stores to complete shopping, preparing for Christmas programs and special events at church, sending out our family newsletter and a little caroling. Christmas Eve was filled with family traditions. The night began with homemade pizzas (the boys would make and eat them with their shirts off and drink their soda from special wine glasses). Then there was a special Christmas Eve Service at our church (where 7 years ago Seth asked Jesus to rule in his heart). That was followed by delivering a plate of cookies to all our neighbors. Lastly, we would end the evening with the boys opening one gift (their Christmas PJ's) and them all sleeping in the same room together. Christmas day was also full of family tradition: waking up to a birthday party for Jesus, one of the boys reading the Christmas story, the boys receiving some gifts, dinner (often with friends) including many food items that were traditional to both Barry's family and mine, playing with our new toys in front of the beautiful Christmas tree, and many other fun activities.
As we have celebrated the past two Christmases, I have found myself reflecting a lot on the traditions that we had and on the "Christmas feeling." For two years now, it has not FELT like Christmas. As I have reflected and prayed about this, I believe that my heart has been opened a little (and I still need the Lord to continue opening my heart and eyes).
- Churches are full of decorations, Christmas music, advent celebrations, Christmas programming and more. Our church in Costa Rica didn't decorate until two Sundays before Christmas and even then it was a couple of boxes wrapped in plain paper with three words on them. We did not sing any Christmas songs (we were unable to attend the Christmas Eve Service where they sang Christmas songs) in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
- Shopping is always full of Christmas sights, songs, etc. Shopping here is completely different. The malls are all decorated, however their halls are filled with regular music.
- I mentioned above some of the traditions we have had. Many of those we were unable to do either because we had to take a visa renewal trip (which allows us to stay in Costa Rica for 90 more days) or because we were unable to find those things here.
With the change of culture I was unable to "find" the Christmas Spirit. The more I thought about that, the more I questioned myself and felt the Lord prompting my heart:
- Christy, what is "the Christmas Spirit?"
- Christy, where does "the Christmas Spirit" really come from?
- Christy, whose responsibility is it to create "the Christmas Spirit?"...Is it the church's responsibility to create this "Spirit" or ultimately is it between the Lord and myself?
I began to realize that I have completely allowed the culture I lived in to determine whether or not I felt "the Christmas Spirit." When culture was screaming: Christmas this, Christmas that, Christmas here, Christmas there, Christmas do, Christmas create, etc. I "felt" a part of the "Christmas Spirit." However, when culture was not screaming "Christmas"...well I just did not "feel" like it was Christmas.
Ultimately, Christmas is about the birth of a perfect savior. Someone who was in the presence of God and who knew that I needed a Savior to rescue me from myself and from the grasp of sin, hatred, and evil. So He came down in the most humble form, a baby. He grew in wisdom and stature, as well as, in relationship with God and with other people (Luke 2:52). Through His life on earth he left behind a legacy of love, relationships, addressing evil, mentoring, discipling and giving of Himself completely and wholly, ultimately with His life and resurrection. So, it shouldn't matter what culture you are in or what season of life you are in. The "Christmas Spirit" comes from relationship with Jesus and pushing into Jesus, Himself.
Maybe, just maybe, the "Christmas Spirit" can even press into January, or March, possible even May, or even July and maybe this year we will find the "Christmas Spirit" in October. I am pressing in...will you join me?
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