Thursday, December 20, 2012

'Tis the Season to be...Confused?


                        About a week ago, my daughter texted me she’d taken Brooks (her two-year-old) to the library for story time. While there, she helped him pick out two Christmas books—one about Santa Claus, one about the nativity. They read the one about Santa first. Then they read the one about the nativity. Every time they came to a picture of baby Jesus in the manger, Brooks pointed to it and said, “Ho, ho, ho!”

                        My daughter is afraid he might be a bit confused. He probably is, but then he’s only two. I think a lot of Christian adults also get confused about the reason for the season.

                        Wait! Don’t stop reading! I promise this isn't another harangue about how Christmas is too commercial. I happen to like some of that commercialism. I like giving gifts to those I love. I like decorating my house so that it’s cheerful and festive for those who visit. I like preparing a meal my family will enjoy. But it’s a matter of priority. If those activities become my main focus, if they stress me to the point I forget the message of joy and peace the first Christmas was meant to bring, then there’s a problem.

                        So in an effort to remind you—and myself—to slow down, to reflect, to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, I’m sharing my favorite Christmas carol with you. Every time I hear this song, it brings clarity to the season and reminds me again of God’s amazing gift to us. I pray it does the same for you.

                       

 

                         

5 comments:

  1. How beautiful! I've heard of Kathy Mattea, but until now never heard this particular song. Thank you for sharing some Christmas spirit, Dee Dee!

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    1. You're welcome, Sonia. There are many recordings of this song by various artists, but I thought this one by Mattea was especially beautiful and I also liked the images.

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  2. We have a Willow Tree nativity from Hallmark that I set out every year. I don't remember how it happened, but one night, under the light of the Christmas tree, both of my little ones (4 and 1) sat attentively in my lap in front of the nativity. At their request, I repeatedly told the story using the "dolls" and signing some of the more famous carols at appropriate story points. They paid such close attention--without shoving each other or anything--that the magic of Christmas was definitely at work. I think the oldest was just the right age to really understand the story. Of course, after an encore performance of Little Drummer Boy, he did ask what Santa brought the baby Jesus.

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    1. Aww, that was a good question and certainly in the right spirit.

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