Sunday, November 26, 2017

Sunday Afternoon Tea - Why I Love Christmas


Yesterday morning, I awoke far too early and not feeling very well.  I walked into the kitchen, pushed the button to start the coffee brewing, and then checked my blood sugar.  It was dangerously low as I suspected.  Travel can bring about unusual swings in blood sugar and this time it went too low. I grabbed a granola bar and once the coffee was ready, added a little extra sugar with my cream.

I must admit it felt good to just sit for awhile in the recliner, nibbling the granola bar, sipping the sugary coffee, and watching the sun come up through the window shades with a cat on my lap.  As the sugar was hitting my blood stream, I felt strength return... although my attitude was a little... cranky. I had planned to sleep in and instead, I was up two hours early.

However, when I turned on the television, there were two early morning Christmas specials on one of the Christian channels.  The first was a men's choral group singing Christmas songs and the next was a college choral Holiday performance.  I can't begin to tell you how the music lifted my spirits.  Almost as much as my second cup of coffee.

I remembered why I love Christmas.  It is that one time of year where I can actually see Heaven kissing the fallen world with just a taste of that future Kingdom of God being set up on Earth.  For instance, it is the only time of the year I get to hear beautiful Christ centered music at various times of the day... on TV or at the Mall.

I adore twinkle lights and Christmas tree decorations and since the colors of cranberry red and dark green are my favorites, then just about any Christmasy item is beautiful to gaze upon. 

I love the aromas of Christmas, be they the earthy nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon or the whimsical smell of peppermint or the smell of the Pine Mrs. Meyers dish washing liquid currently sitting by my sink.

I love how Christmas gives us an excuse to be a child again.  To build and decorate a gingerbread house, whether "from scratch" or simply using a kit to save precious time available.  This is the time of year when glitter is in style and pretty paper and tape are the latest rage.

My very favorite thing to do each Christmas season is to plug in the Christmas tree when it is still dark, sip coffee, and talk to God while trying to wake up.  It is often at this time I ponder Christmases past and those I don't see often enough or who have gone on to their reward.  Mornings by the light of the Christmas tree tend to be quite reflective.

I love Christmas because Christmas is Christ... no matter how much "they" try to take that away from the mix, the Truth of Christmas remains.  Jesus truly is the reason for the Season and sometimes old sayings tell a lot of Truth.

I understand that the Early Church did not celebrate Christmas and that the date was pulled out of the hat to coincide with the pagan worship of Solstice.  I get that.  But words are what we put meaning to and celebrations are what we give meaning and Christmas means Christ to me... I don't care what some former Roman leader had in mind.

I love Christmas in the good years and I need it in the not-so-good years.

So whatever circumstances this Christmas finds you in, I pray for you and yours that Christmas brings with it the Presence of Jesus.  I can see Him in the stained glass cathedrals but also in the midst of the celebrations.  I see Him comforting the one in tears and laughing along with the family when grandfather tells that joke yet once again at Christmas dinner.

For you see, Christianity is a Person and that means Christmas is a Person and because of that... we can rejoice in the midst of it all.  The Light has come in the darkness.

Image:  The breakfront decorated for Christmas, 2017.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Brenda, What a good post. I love Christmas and I totally agree it is about the coming of Christ into a fallen world, but what hope it brings us. We can rejoice, and show forth that love He showered on us to those we meet in small acts of kindness.
Take care, Lyn from Australia

Anonymous said...

Oh, how I love this post. Such beautiful thoughts. God has blessed you with such a wonderful gift of words. Blessings to you dear friend, Sharon D.

Bess said...

Love this post, Brenda!

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

A very beautiful post! I am glad you found your words, and so glad you were able to wake up slowly, reflectively, in the midst of beautiful Christmas music!

Judy said...

It seems to me you love Christmas for all the right reasons!
Blessings on your Advent season quiet times by the glowing Christmas tree.

rebecca said...

You've "nailed it", Brenda!
What beautiful expression you've given to the most Beautiful Expression of all time
(and eternity)... ♥

Vee said...

Precious words of truth, Brenda. Thank you for pulling these thoughts together into another beautifully written essay. Reading it has been a part of my Christmas joy. 🎄

Anonymous said...

YES!!!

"I am sure I have thought of Christmastime ...as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time ... and though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it HAS done me good, and WILL do me good; and I say, "GOD BLESS IT!"

-Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

(-: Joy

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

Beautifully written, Brenda. I'm just getting around to reading today. Our weekend was busy, and so was this morning (doing all the errands that I put off while my daughter and family were home).

I agree with you about Christmas, and love to celebrate it fully!

Anonymous said...

Thank-you for sharing, Brenda! This was Beautiful! I've always loved Christmas and love it for all the same reasons you do! I was talking to my brother recently, and he said how thankful he was for the Christmases of our childhood because they gave us such happy memories, which is true. He loves Christmas, too, because of those happy memories. They weren't anything elaborate, just happy family times. My Dad was into photography and always took home movies of us opening presents, etc. I remember having to wait in the hallway while he set up his camera, the lights, etc. before we could come running out to the living room to open presents! The wait was agony to a young child! I haven't begun to decorate just yet. I have a hard time putting up decorations while it is still November! That goes back to my childhood, too! By the way, I found your Candy Cane Lane tea at the grocery store and picked up a box to try it! Am drinking a cup now. It's tastey! Have you tried Bigelow's Peppermint Bark chocolate mint herb tea? It's really yummy! I discovered it last year during the holiday season. This is the only time of year they carry it, too. I Love your idea of sitting by the light of your tree in the early morning to read your devotions! Plan on doing that, too! Rest and take care!
Blessings,
Laura C (WA)

Instagram.com/melissasnotes said...

I woke up early this morning also. My husband left early for a men's Bible study so I had the house and the Christmas tree lights to myself while it was still dark out. And then a beautiful sunrise! Thank you for sharing.

MistyK said...

Brenda, I have often been curious too about the dating of Christmas, and many years ago read thoughts indicating that the date may actually have to do with ancient tradition/belief; that prophets in particular were conceived on the same day of the year as one's death. Therefore, since Christ's death took place sometime mid-spring (March 25th ish) his birth would take place 9 months later. I like this theory, actually, as it makes sense to me! This article is pretty great and discusses the various schools of thought--perhaps you will enjoy it, too. Wish I were closer and could stop in and see your lovely tree! ;) https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-topics/new-testament/how-december-25-became-christmas/