White lights on the Christmas tree, cinnamon sprinkled on Eggnog, Christmas tunes filling the house with familiar warm melodies, fire crackling, and a new baby cooing, eyes tracing the Christmas tree lights in a happy trance. The Christmas season is here and we have much to be thankful for. Graces upon graces we don't deserve, but are grateful to savor. What is it about this time that brings such joy? When else are all of our senses met in such a style where they all culminate to form an imprinted lasting memory of sheer joy? Sight, smell, sound, taste, and the love of family. What happens when one of these senses isn't met around Christmas time? Maybe the money isn't in the bank for decorating and gifts, or no space for a tree? Maybe family can't make it out? We feel an emptiness. But when all are present, it's like fireworks for the senses, a warm blanket for the soul.
What about he baby in the manger? Did Mary and Joseph decorate a tree, bust out the Eggnog, and turn on the Christmas tunes to celebrate the birth of our savior? Not likely. I can imagine there was a lot of pain, fear, smelly animals, and a not so cozy place to lay their heads. After having a baby of my own, I could not even imagine how lonely and scary it must have been. However, once they were left with a healthy baby boy that they knew was the messiah, they must have been brimming with an overwhelming joy and awe.
I'm so thankful for all I have this Christmas, but as I contemplate the scene at the manger and the graces that come with the true meaning of Christmas, my joy runs even deeper. I pray this Christmas I can be still. I pray I can close my eyes and sit in silence, and still celebrate without all of the fluff and the hustle and bustle, and my heart will be even more full without all the distractions, so I can be even more grateful for all that we have been blessed with this season.
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