The holiday season is here, and I am reminded of the many Christmases where I would take my grandchildren to one of our neighborhood church’s Little Town Of Bethlehem outdoor productions. Church members acted out scenes from the nativity in the courtyard bazaar where market stalls had period handcrafts and food displayed while Roman soldiers and animals roamed. It was a fun experience for the grandchildren, and it helped us focus on the true meaning behind Christmas.
This year, it is going to look a little different. Many of the holiday traditions that involved going somewhere are going to have to be changed up, put on hold, or reimagined. These changes are disappointing, but we can still be intentional in finding JOY this season.
Many years ago when our daughter Michelle was a preschooler, she asked, “If it is Jesus’ birthday, why do we get all the presents?” Marv and I looked at each other and wondered: How can we focus on the fact: Yes, you get presents, but the real true gift is Jesus coming to this earth. How do we convey the reason for the season? During this COVID Christmas, how do we point to hope, joy, peace, and love in what feels like such a dark time?
I love this letter written by Max Lucado that was published in 2012, but so appropriate for 2020.
Dear Jesus,
It is a good thing you were born at night. This world sure seems dark. I have a good eye for silver linings. But they seem dimmer lately.
These killings, Lord. These children, Lord. Innocence violated. Raw evil demonstrated.
The whole world seems on edge. Trigger-happy. Ticked off. We hear threats of chemical weapons and nuclear bombs. Are we one button-push away from annihilation?
Your world seems a bit darker this Christmas. But you were born in the dark, right? You came at night. The shepherds were nightshift workers. The Wise Men followed a star. Your first cries were heard in the shadows. To see your face, Mary and Joseph needed a candle flame. It was dark. Dark with Herod’s jealousy. Dark with Roman oppression. Dark with poverty. Dark with violence.
Herod went on a rampage, killing babies. Joseph took you and your mom into Egypt. You were an immigrant before you were a Nazarene.
Oh, Lord Jesus, you entered the dark world of your day. Won’t you enter ours? We are weary of bloodshed. We, like the wise men, are looking for a star. We, like the shepherds, are kneeling at a manger.
This Christmas, we ask you, heal us, help us, be born anew in us.
Hopefully,
Max Lucado
Your Children
REALITY
The realities on earth this Christmas are like none I have experienced. There have been a loss of celebrations with plans constantly in flux. Changing city, county, and state COVID regulations in 2020 make it a challenge to make Christmas special for our children when we are grieving our own disappointments and unknowns. There are also differing family and extended-family expectations and concerns. And gift giving! Are you burdened by the feeling of overcompensating in gifts because of quarantine disappointments? Maybe some of your kids are expressing their depression by saying, “I don’t really want anything this year.” It is not unusual for parents to feel the need to “make everyone happy,” especially this year. Lethargy and weariness is what we are all feeling this COVID Christmas. What can we do?
RESOURCE
God, you are such a safe and powerful place to find refuge!
Psalm 46:1 [The Passion Translation]
You are a proven help in times of trouble
more than enough and always available whenever I need you.
1Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress . . .
Isaiah 9:1, 2, 6 [NIV]
2 The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light . . .
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
I am so grateful for our resource in Heaven! God has proven faithful in the past and in the present, and I can count on His faithfulness in the days to come. He will always be available when I need him. He hears my lament and weeps with me. He sees my triumphs and celebrates with me!
There is HOPE in this season, and we have to choose to see it. As said in Isaiah 9, the people walking in darkness have seen a great light. Our greatest gift, Jesus Christ, was birthed to be our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Can we choose to see light? Can we put our trust in the one who will bring peace?
REFRESH
Use your traditions to bring meaning into the season. While our current reality may feel depressing, we can do a hard reset and refresh our point of view using the COMFORT of traditions to bring warm memories to the forefront. Traditions connect us to former generations and values. They keep us intertwined with one another and allow for imparting values into the future generations. And in times of uncertainty, traditions can bring encouragement, cheer, and inspiration. They give us a purpose to move forward when our hearts have not caught up yet.
What are some tradition connectors? Food! Decorations! Celebrations! Repeat the ones that bring joy and celebrate the values behind the event.
RE-DO
There is help for the holidays! A few tips that have worked (and been reworked) in our family over the last 50 years:
- Plan ahead. Talk to your family about the things you CAN do this Christmas.
- Identify stressors (debt, doing too much). Be good to yourself and take a little break so that you can enjoy the holidays with your family.
- Eat meals together. It can be home-cooked or take-out!
- Smile and laugh. Even if it is laughing at yourself! Don’t wait until XYZ happens before you can be happy; find simple moments to smile at today!
- Light candles in the evening. There is something about dim candlelight that softens moods.
- Read seasonal books, watch holiday specials, tell stories, play games.
- Find another family or older person to help. Help your kids take the focus off getting and refocus it on giving.
Make changes slowly and persistently, and start with your heart first. The world (and your family) is changed by your example, not by your opinion.