The Advent Calendar - Pt. 6

 

But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:1-6 ESV).

 

There are so many family traditions surrounding this time of the year. For some it may involve gathering together at the “elder” family member’s home for a meal and gift exchanging. Typically, we have been gathering here since there is more room with the combination of Kyle’s house and ours just a short walk up the hill. We have plenty of food and snacks, though we do not serve a formal meal. There is always the mandatory opening of gifts and showing them to everyone in turn. We draw names for the adults, though the kids all get gifts from everyone. We typically play board games later in the evening with more fellowship than competition. Happy is the goal.

 

This year happy may be more of a challenge than in past years for many of us. Our traditions will be interrupted. Some of that is due to the pandemic, though the sheer distance apart we all live also contributes. Some people struggle more at Christmas than any other time. That seems hard to fathom given all the music telling us “Tis the season to be jolly…” The truth is that we often forget the reason for celebration. So, let me point you to a few practical things you can do and pointing you to the One who really is the source of peace and joy.

 

§  First, adjust your expectation. These come in all shapes and sizes. It’s everything from what our decorations look like to what the “crazy relative might say.” We worry about what we might say on social media. After all that’s the world’s portal into our personal world and we dare not tell the whole truth there! Just relax a bit and lower your expectations. The real reason for peace and happiness never changes and will never let you down.

§  Second, set aside the pressure of the Norman Rockwell moment. You know, that’s the moment when the picture of Christmas is perfect. It won’t be, at least on this side of heaven.

§  Third, don’t get too “religious.” That sounds strange coming from me in this format. What I mean is that pressure to be spiritually perfect. You won’t be, and you’re not supposed to be perfect. After all, this is the reason Jesus was born in the first place. Of course, make your focus on the birth of Jesus; read the Christmas story from the Scripture. And, it’s OK to add your favorite Hallmark Christmas movie to the mix.

 

God will be your “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace!”