It is hard to believe it is Christmas Time, 2010. As usual, the things we think of at this special time of the year include: family, friends, food, gifts, joy, happiness, decorations and so much more. I love seeing the pictures of family members in the woods or at the local tree farm picking out that “just right” one for the living room or family room. A few Christmas Carols along with some hot cider or cocoa and/or a nice hot latte and in no time, the lights are lit and the ornaments sparkling. When all is set and we view our creativity, we who believe take the time to focus on the real meaning of the Season for us, none other than the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Most families enjoy nothing more than celebrating birthdays. We not only celebrate the day as special but the person as well. We marvel at their accomplishments; as children, how they’ve grown. It is truly a celebration of who they are! As Children of the Most High God, Creator of the Universe and everything within, we celebrate the birth, miracles, salvation, deliverance, life, beauty, glory, healing, ALL that has been given us through the Gift, the ONE in whom we are now joint heirs of the PROMISE of eternal life. Unfortunately, there are some things that can affect a “Merry” Christmas no matter how we look at it. Divorce, death of a family member or close friend, loss of finances, loss of home, sickness… the list goes on and on of the circumstances that can hamper or threaten to ruin our celebration. Most of these point back to the importance of family to all of us. My husband is in the process of researching his family history and is like a kid in a candy store when he discovers any new tidbit of information. Psalm 68:5&6 tells us that God is a Father to the Fatherless. He is a Defender of Widows and that “He sets the lonely in Families”. John 1:12, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--” Family is important to God. He has the capacity to spread his love evenly throughout the ENTIRE family. I have a little brown, long-haired Chihuahua named Rusty. He came first to my husband and I. Then about three and a half years later, Teva, our lavender calico kitten came along. There isn’t much difference in disposition between pets and children sometimes. We learned before we got Rusty that if you don’t want a lap dog, don’t get a Chihuahua. Well, that is so true. He loves to be in our laps. When he is in mine, all curled up and comfortable, he is quite content with the whole world. Well, little Teva wants lap time. As she approaches to curl up as well and get some attention, Rusty moves into his actor mode. He becomes “Alpha Dog” and expels the most vicious growl he can attain as he lunges forward to attack, only to be corrected as Teva is placed next to him. As long as Teva doesn’t attempt to be on the lap, they spend hours chasing one another throughout the house and giving their toys and food to one another. Well, competition, jealousy, intimidation, shyness, feelings of inferiority… none of these things can affect God’s love for us. Father God/Creator God’s Lap is big enough. Santa Claus is a finite part of Christmas and his lap can hold one or two or maybe three at the most and listen to the dreams and wishes of the children. Father God, the Infinite One, will reach down, pick us up and SET us in the position of family and not only listen to the desires of our hearts but give them to us as well. So, let’s be held by the ONE who has, through His Birth, Death, and Resurrection, fulfilled the PROMISE and given us the GIFT OF LIFE! “Merry Christmas!”
