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.
