All my list-making, recipe-baking, present-purchasing, and gift-wrapping was complete. I had prepared, and prepared, and prepared way ahead of time. After all, it was my most favorite time of the year. I love festive decorations warming my home, joyful sounds of familiar carols, and the shimmer of colorful lights. Each year, I wait with anticipation for the ultimate, special day.
Christmas!
A few, “safe” celebrations had been planned, to be topped off with what was guaranteed to be a joyful Christmas morning family gathering. And I. Was. Ready.
Recently, I surveyed the treasured ornaments dangling among white lights on my Christmas tree. Boxes wrapped in shiny paper were nestled under the tree, and as I directed my gaze to a few gift bags brimming with sparkling tissue paper, a sharp pain stabbed my chest.
My vision blurred and my eyes began to sting. My intended Christmas was going to turn out quite differently than I had planned.
My husband had just tested positive for covid.
One week before Christmas.
We had no choice but to bow out of the upcoming, extended family gathering. We canceled our Christmas morning plans and began discussing how to best disburse gifts to our children to open on their own, or postpone a gathering to January, which sadly, would not accommodate everyone. And, we canceled a long-awaited getaway to a cabin in Georgia for one week after Christmas.
This was a tough pill to swallow . . . and it was bitter.
Can any of you relate? I know I’m not alone.
With a lump in my throat, I snatched up a box of tissues and made my way to a rocking chair on my back screened porch, hoping to disappear into the darkness of the evening around me. Settling into a soothing rhythm, I rocked back and forth, examining the blanket of stars canvasing the sky. Among the array of twinkling stars, one caught my eye. As I studied that solitary star dotting the sky, appearing to outshine all the others, I was reminded of another lone star that shone with a brightness beyond description thousands of years ago.
The star of Bethlehem. The “Christmas Star.”
That bright star appeared in the eastern sky revealing the birth of Jesus, leading the Magi to Bethlehem to witness the sacred event that would create an indelible mark on the spirit of all humanity.
Thoughts wandered to a precious newborn baby lying atop a soft, sweet-smelling bed of tousled hay, surrounded by the huffing breath and grunts of a livestock audience. Reflecting on the simple beginnings of the Christ-child, I was struck with the profound meaning wrapped up in this baby snuggled in swaddling clothes. How fitting it was for the savior of the world to be born in a manger.
A manger is a wooden feeding trough used to hold hay for various farm animals. It is set up off the ground as opposed to having hay scattered along the cold, stone floor. The sides are tall to keep the contents safely inside.
As I continued reflecting, God began redirecting . . . and, reminding me.
While animals go to the manger for food—you and I can also go to the manger for food. Spiritual food, provided by God’s word, the bread of life. Available to each of us at any time, to meet our every need, and allow us to not go hungry.
John 6:35 — Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.”
This is, in fact, the ultimate Christmas gift.
The baby in a manger is, in fact, (I was reminded), what Christmas is all about.
Collapsing back into my rocking chair, I nodded with a weak smile.
I get it, God.
Holiday fanfare is nice, but it isn’t necessary.
Christmas presents are fun, but they aren’t what’s important.
Gathering with loved ones is truly special, but our absence from each other doesn’t alter our love for one another.
In the quiet of that evening moment, my husband found me (from clear across the living room before the entrance to the porch). He flashed a reassuring smile as we silently inhaled the cool of the night creeping in through the screen. After a long moment, my husband’s soft voice spoke.
“We’ll get through this, Beautiful.”
Yes, we will.
And I’m here to offer encouragement that if you’re in a tough season right now, you will too.
Whatever your situation may be this Christmas, know that God is in it. Know that He came to earth to give us an abundant life of peace, joy, and hope. His salvation promises to not leave us hungry. Most of all, He longs for us to know beyond any doubt we can approach Him at any time in ANY circumstance we find ourselves in.
Just like a precious baby in a manger.
Wishing you the richest of God’s blessings today.
Merry Christmas!
