Together This Christmas

On my way home from the office yesterday, I stopped by our favorite bakery to get Tim some coffee cake and cheese pockets because my energy to cook this Christmas is zero to none.  While I was in there, I heard a woman yelling at the clerk behind the counter.  She had driven almost an hour's distance only to be disappointed because they didn't have a cinnamon swirl to her liking.  With a sleepy kid in her one arm, she continued to share her frustration about what seemed like a special tradition for her family, but nothing at this point was going to make her happy.  I reminded myself why I was there, to get something for a very exhausted hubby who's been trying to take care of his sick infant and wife.  We'd had a tense moment in the middle of the evening and I was purchasing a peace offering.  I wanted to offer another bakery that might meet the woman's needs that was a little closer to her, but she was out the door before I could say something.  I looked at another woman in line and said, "It's just not worth it."  And the woman responded to me saying, "I wish I could have that perspective."  She then shared with me how her niece had yelled at her numerous times that morning because she hadn't done something right.  It sounds like another family tradition that went wrong.  I empathized with her and then shared a few encouraging words as I made my selections.  Christmas isn't the easiest time of year for some families. 

Today I picked up the phone and began cancelling the holiday plans I had so joyously made earlier this week.  I was well and now I'm sick with a cold, Sammy too.  We just can't get passed it and I don't want him out in the cold, it's just not worth it.  But then, Tim reminded me that Sammy has both his Mommy and his Daddy around and that's what many kids wish they had and don't get.  And I look at my son and he's the best Christmas gift a Mom could ask for.  Together this Christmas, I look forward to watching movies together, finding contentment in singing a few quiet Christmas carols as a family and celebrating the birth of a Savior that died for me and all the shameful things I do.  It will be a memorable time because it's not about the things we acquire, but our lives continuing to transform as our faith's and relationships grow. 

I hope each of you find the deeper meaning in this Christmas holiday as we reflect on Christ's birth.