A Real Merry Christmas?

I used to annoy my husband by wanting to put the Christmas tree up before Thanksgiving and leave it up past the New Year, but this year, I'm actually excited to get the tree packed away, even though I do think it's lovely. I think having a very active toddler has curbed my unbridled energy to plan for festivities, and that has bothered me some. But I reflected on some thoughts our pastor presented this past Sunday, about how the first Christmas was not simply happiness and celebrations. For the shepherds, it was -- they were looked down on by society, and yet were allowed to share in unspeakable joy. For Mary, it was joyful but perhaps also disappointing -- she had her first baby in a barn. For the families in and around Bethlehem, it was painful -- boys aged two and younger were killed because of the jealous insecurity of the king.

Last night I spoke with an extended family member whose Christmas is painful because they're still grieving the loss of her father. It does make Christmas and its celebrations a bit more complicated -- perhaps it leaves more hope and anticipation for a second coming.

Merry Christmas!