The moment I awoke this morning marked my 75th Christmas. Sometimes it’s hard to believe there have been so many. Recalling memories of my childhood mixed with memories of my own two children on Christmas morning now become mixed with memories o
f watching my grandchildren rip open gifts on Christmas morning. There is a joy about Christmas, a joy that, regardless of how many times you see it repeated, continues to permeate through the day.
However, I am often reminded of a more thorough meaning behind Christmas, even though there is great joy in seeing children’s faces light up as they open gift after gift! Mother Teresa said it best, “It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you…yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand.”
Christ’s incarnation did not come with the intent of bringing forth a holiday. Rather Christ’s incarnation eliminates boundaries and ushers in the “upside down” kingdom. This meaning that those who are last are now first and those who are suffering are comforted and those who are lonely will be with others once again.
Within the incarnation of Christ we are given the ability to love one another because Christ has also loved us. We are given the ability to lend a hand and to comfort.
This Christmas won’t you do one of these things. Won’t you see through the shards of wrapping paper and piles of food to a lonely neighbor or a suffering widow? Won’t you open you mind and realize that there are many around you who are in desperate need of, not only Christ’s love, but more importantly, YOUR love!
May this day be a day of joy and celebration as unto us Christ has been born! Merry Christmas!