Take Time for Christmas / Inspired by Julie

Nubble Light at Christmas, York Beach, Maine

It's Wednesday December 22, Christmas Eve is hours away and soon the birth of Jesus Christ will be celebrated in every nation and in every tounge.  The hustle and bustle of the season surrounds us all as each of us tries to rekindle that special feeling which we know Christmas is supposed to bring.  Music, lights, beautiful gifts, decorations, baking, wrapping, shopping, running to and fro - these are the things that for some signify this most holiest season of the year.  Christmas programs, t.v. specials, songs on the radio, special church services, caroling, acts of kindness and charity to those in need, outreach, support, and an effort to smile more and extend kindness are all part of this. In many homes there is a candle burning for a loved one who is far away fighting on a foreign shore. Some outdoor lighting displays are extravagant and set to music, cartoon characters, and neighborhoods compete for the most creative displays while lines of traffic fill their neighborhoods to show the children 'Christmas lights and decorations.'  Aroma's of Christmas past fill kitchens in hopes this too will somehow serve to enhance the whole experience of Christmas 2010.  Pies, candy, cookies, sit waiting on the table or fill the refridgerator. Some to be given away, others to be enjoyed at Christmas dinner.  Still... the feeling that you have forgotten something important, what is it that is missing? Is it one more gift for that special someone?  Is it the Christmas card to send to a longtime friend?  Is it the phone call to the neighbor down the street? What is missing amidst all the wrappings and trappings of this, that is called Christmas?    The Christmas wish lists were requested months ago, phone calls made asking 'what do you want for Christmas this year?'  Some will answer simply, that they like anything and that is true for them because it is enough to be remembered, not so much what is given.  Others will give an elaborate detailed list of items they would like and again, the giver is pleased to please the receiver. Giving and receiving, means something different for everyone. Some have a gift to give generously, sincerely, from their heart.  Others have a sense of obligation in the giving.  And there are those who really cannot give anything at all, other than their love and their time, their presence, assistance. On it goes.  There is a bit of all of us in the above scenerios, and there is nothing wrong in that - we are all individuals, all uniquely human. 

But this year a friend of ours is facing her first Christmas without her beloved husband. You have read of this in recent posts.  And we too are without a very special friend and feel this loss although certainly not to the extent she does.  Something which she posted on Facebook today has made me stop and think. It's something we all know and have probably said at one time or another. But for her - it is a reality. She posted a photograph of Christmas 2009, when her husband was still alive and then wrote: 

 "As I look at my profile picture, which was last Christmas, I wonder if Jim and I would have done anything differently had we known it would be our last Christmas together. I don't think so. We had a really nice day together. But it should serve as a reminder to all of you couples: don't let the pressures of the holiday spoil the happiness that should shine through your love for each other. God bless."

Profound words of advice.  Words which I will work hard to put into practice, not only in the next few days but in the year(s) ahead.  There was one Christmas several years ago when our life was as hectic as it had ever been.  We were expecting a houseful at Christmas, family had temporarily moved in, and nothing seemed normal whatever normal is.  It was not a bad situation, it was just a very stressful situation with a lot of pressures on the two of us, pressures which few realized at the time.  Without hesitation, I made a thermos of hot cocoa, packed mugs and cookies in a basket, and told John TOLD John, 'Come with me, we are getting away for awhile!"  This was Christmas Eve!  I drove the car to then nearby York Beach, out to the Nubble Lighthouse. Sitting there in the reflections of the beautifully decorated and well lit lighthouse, we spoke not a word as the Christmas music played on the radio.  The thermos of hot cocoa was opened and shared along with the few Christmas cookies. The ocean surrounded us and we simply 'were' together.  And we waited for the submarine races to begin ;o)
 
If you are a couple this Christmas, with or without children - please do take a few moments away from the hustle and the bustle, find a way to make time to make eye contact with each other, the look that speaks to each other across the room, that says I LOVE YOU.  Try to think too on the reason for the season, which really has very little to do with everything that we think is so important. Please don't get me wrong, I believe that giving gifts is an important part of Christmas especially for those who have a 'gift' to give.  I've been the recipient of those kinds of gifts - and they are truly a blessing to receive.  But - what if you did know this was the last Christmas you were with your loved ones?  What if all you have to look back next year at this time, are the Christmas pictures you take in a few more days?  Will you look at them with happiness, satisfaction, joy and the memory that 'it was a really nice day together?  Or will you think back on yelling at each other, worried that the food burned, or that someone was late to dinner, or any other thing which intrudes on the joy and happiness of the season? 
 
I have an idea for those of you who can - Why don't you make your own thermos of hot cocoa, grab some Christmas cookies and plan a mini-escape amidst the hustle bustle and promise each other you will not let the "pressures of the holiday spoil the happiness that should shine through your love for each other."
In all that our friend is going through this first Christmas without her husband, she took the time to share that little nugget on behalf of all of us.  Let your light of love shine this Christmas, but especially to those who matter most. 
Take care and God Bless, John, Ann and ATB

Luke 2:9-12
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”