Heart of Christmas
Each year at the holiday season, my otherwise happy and fun-loving husband, Randy, would turn into a Scrooge. I didn’t understand it because unlike most husbands, mine liked to shop and gift giving was always his “gift.” But now I was beginning to hate the holiday as much as it seemed he did.
Like most Floridians our Christmas decorations are stored in the attic. As soon as the Thanksgiving dishes were put away, I’d turn down the A/C, put on the Christmas music, make hot chocolate, and begin the tug-of-war with my husband to get the stuff from the attic—me singing and him grumping. Seven years later, I wasn’t singing either.
The church was hosting an Unplug the Christmas Machine Workshop, and at the last minute I decided to attend. We were led through a series of questions to help us see how we’d become a part of the Giant Consumer Machine that Christmas had become. But it was through a question about expectations and family traditions that the light bulb went on in my head and changed our Christmases forever. What was the question?
Describe your favorite family Christmas memory/tradition.
My maternal grandfather was a pastor, and after the Thanksgiving meal each year he’d get a twinkle in his eye as he rubbed his hands together and said, “is anyone ready for Christmas?” We’d follow my grandfather to the attic, and we’d help him get down the Christmas decorations. My grandmother would make hot chocolate and we’d decorate. My grandfather truly became like a little child. He loved all things Christmas.
After I wrote this memory on my worksheet, I realized I was trying to re-create this favorite childhood memory by forcing it to happen. So, I came home from the workshop and happily announced to Randy I was releasing him from the need to fulfill my dream. No longer was fulfilling that childhood picture going to be the focus of my Christmas. Christ was going to be the heart of my Christmas.
In the first part of Isaiah (chapters 1-39), he foretold of Judah's captivity and destruction. Chapter forty begins what many call the Second Isaiah, which tells of the events that will take place after their captivity. Isaiah is also foretelling of the coming Messiah.
A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
the way for the LORD
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3
Preparing a straight way means removing the obstacles and giving Him the Red Carpet treatment by making Him a priority. There are so many obstacles to putting Christ first this time of year, aren’t there? What things can you do to make him more of a priority this advent season? We are called to prepare our hearts, minds, and lives. He deserves the Red Carpet treatment from you and from me. Like the centerpiece on a lovely table, He deserves to be the centerpiece or focus of your day.
What tradition are you failing miserably to recreate? What of that tradition can you keep and what can you allow to simply be a wonderful memory?
What obstacles to making Christ the center of Christmas can you remove? Overspending? Obligations that should be rescinded. Unreal expectations? Too many activities and not enough down time?
How are you preparing a way in your heart, mind, and life? Be specific—it is how we can unplug that Christmas Machine.