Hope for Holiday Hurdles
Nativity Artwork by Liz Landgren
Every December, I enter into the holiday season with high hopes for a memorable, drama-free, laughter-filled family Christmas. Don’t we all? With glowing tree lights, the cheerful chords of carols, and kindness from strangers, anything seems possible. We imagine that every moment should be magical.
Inevitably, the unexpected happens. I like to think of myself as one who can roll with the punches. Someone who can adapt, make changes, and do so with a positive attitude and joyful heart. But the reality is that I have a difficult time remaining calm and flexible when my elaborate expectations for Christmas meet resistance.
It might be a gift that doesn’t evoke the reaction I envisioned.
A meal that doesn’t come together as planned.
A family photo that is never captured.
The challenges are not always significant. Yet somehow in those moments, I feel the weight of disappointment as I try to reconcile my carefully-laid plan with the imperfect reality. When my mind and emotions are so preoccupied, I can’t be fully present with my loved ones. And it’s our full engagement with those around us that often leads to the most cherished memories.
I sometimes wonder how Mary felt when she and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem only to find they had nowhere to stay. Surely she expected God to provide accommodations cleaner and more comfortable than a stable! After all, she was to give birth to a future king. In her shoes, I imagine I would have felt perplexed at the very least, if not indignant.
However, if Mary pouted or threw a tantrum, there’s no mention of it in the gospel accounts. Based on descriptions of the virgin mother and her unwavering faith, she likely took the news in stride. Perhaps she began singing the words she sang to her cousin Elizabeth, as recorded in Luke 1:46-47.
“My soul praises the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”
Rather than dwell on the conditions, I imagine her focus was on the impending arrival of her Son. I wonder how my response to holiday hurdles would change if I focused more attention on the celebration of Jesus’ birth than the creation of traditions.
If I worried less about finding the perfect gifts and thought more about honoring the perfect Son.
If I laid my expectations at His feet like the the wise men laid down their gifts.
If I cared more for the hearts of my people than the execution of my holiday vision.
Maybe then, I could rise above my expectations and worship the Prince of Peace, our greatest gift of the season.
My prayer this December is that I will surrender every detail to the Lord so I can love my people well and truly rejoice in my Savior.
©Kelley Brown
From Journey, December 2018, LifeWay Christian Resources. Used by permission.
For more information go to lifeway.com/Journey.