Newsletter

December 2011 Newsletter

Christmas... by Eleanor Lewis

The song says Christmas is 'the most wonderful time of the year'. It doesn't mention that it is also the most stressful! Last evening, my husband and I dressed in our 'snuggly clothes' to unwind by watching a TV musical billed as "Christmas, Holiday and Inspirational Songs." What a disappointment that not one beautifully performed song mentioned 'Christ' or 'Christmas'. The Christ of Christ-mas was totally ignored while happy holidays, mistletoe and Santa were extolled! Isn't it amazing how we can leave Jesus out of His own birthday celebration?

Mistletoe is fun when someone you love is around and Santa is known for giving gifts...however, His gifts are not eternal! Besides, Santa's gifts require human assistance which if you are like me can be overwhelming and add to the stress. I am not a shopper and actually break into a cold sweat just thinking about it. The desire is there to give a fabulous gift but usually I have no idea what it would be or where to find it. Realizing my total inadequacy in this area my daughter-in-love, Marya, who has the wonderful ability to find the right gift at the right price, has become my personal shopper. What a relief to have someone do so well what is not possible for me. Isn't this just like the purpose of Christmas? Jesus came to do perfectly for us what we are totally inadequate and unable to do for ourselves. He came at Christmas to experience Easter. Now that is something to celebrate!

To shopping we add the stress of decorating. Each year a neighbor spends hours filling his yard with lighted reindeer, sleighs, elves, etc. but this year the only display is Mary, Joseph and Jesus in the manger. Now that's making the main thing - the main thing! Since Santa did not die for us, let's all reduce our stress by focusing on what Christmas really is - a time to celebrate the ultimate gift ever given - eternal salvation. Jesus gave us a gift that always fits and never wears out. So let's remind ourselves to stop stressing and keep Christmas simple - let's give and live Jesus!