I am frustrated. I am sad. I am let down. I am surrounded by Christmas, and yet, the holiday cheer escapes me. I feel like Cindy Lou Who wondering "Where are you Christmas? Where can I find you? Where have you gone away?" I am usually so joyful this time of year, and yet, I feel nothing. As I told John yesterday "I just don't feel Christmas in my heart." Me, the celebrator, cannot muster the spirit of celebration. Not even when it was snowing. I keep waiting for it to hit me. I was much more excited about Thanksgiving this year. It seems my Christmas spirit went on Thanksgiving vacation and has not decided to come back yet. Maybe it is the whirlwind of the holiday season that has me off. I don't have a free weekend until after New Year's. I need to just forget how I am feeling and meditate on the gift that I have received from Christ's birth. Christ, the Wonderful Counsellor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, came to Earth not on a chariot of fire, but born to a virgin in a stable. And although the birth of this King was humble in man's view, the heavens, the ones in the know, exploded with joy! They knew what this meant for mankind. So, to the lowly shepards the angels sang "Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth, peace to him on whom his favor rests!" That is pretty exciting and wonderful whether my emotions are on board or not.
"Oh Holy Night
the star were brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining (love that we are described this way. Not just longing-pining -withering away with out someone to fulfill us)
till HE appeared and the soul felt it's worth (We are redeemed. Our worthlessness was traded in for something of ultimate value. We were valueless until Christ was born, for what had we to offer?)
A thrill of hope
The weary world rejoices (even the trees must have known that from that moment on, everything had changed)
for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn'
Fall on your knees (as the Wise Men must have done. What can we do but worship?)
Oh, hear the angel voices!
Oh night divine
Oh night, when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh, night, oh night divine."
1 comment:
Ok, I know that you're in a bit of a stressful mood now, but I thought I would tell you that this is possibly the best post I've read on your blog. You may not feel "joy" now, but go back and read this post again, you'll become "joyful." Thank you for reminding me what Christmas is really about. It brought tears to my eyes.
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