Merry Christmas

I was thinking back on my childhood.  (It must be a product of getting older.)  I asked myself if Christmas was as “exciting” for me now, as it was when I was young?  Perhaps, as the responsibilities of preparing for Christmas seem to outweigh the celebration itself, I am more exhausted, (and, sadly relieved) as the day comes to a close.  After all the Masses, I want nothing more than to go to bed and sleep, then to actually “celebrate” Christmas.  I’m sure this is true for all of you.  Christmas seems more to be a pile of wrapping paper, than a Gift from God.  The day can seem long and tiring.  But, was it worth it?  Did we miss the point?  Are we now missing the point?

I have to remind myself, and spiritually adjust my soul into a focus that is Godly, not secular.  Am I busy and rushed because of expectations or because I value this day?  Do I take a deep breath and believe that the joy of giving (particularly seen in the eyes of our children) was worth all the hard work?  Did I spend my time in tension and stress, where when Christmas finally came, I was happier when it was over?

This Christmas I ask you to put all the tension, arguments, hectic-ness and sighs of relief behind you.  When the day is here, appreciate its real meaning:  The Gift of God became Man!  Say a prayer of thanking to God, entrust your family to Him, and give recognition to Jesus Christ, who as a little baby, lays in a manger, arms open as Gift and Giver!  Don’t let the dying tree and the spent wrappings be the reminder of what is happening.  Christmas is the first step on the road to our salvation and eternity with God in Heaven.  Turn to that crib and give thanks!  Take a deep breath and breathe out, “Thank You for loving me so much, and, help me to love You even more.”

May God richly bless you this holy season.  Merry Christmas!