Merry Christmas to All

I love Christmas. I love its sounds, its smells, its colors, its foods, its songs, and its traditions. This past week while flying my trip, I wore my hokey Christmas tie and similarly hokey Christmas socks instead of my usual uniform attire. I can happily report that I received a number of positive comments on my seasonal selections to the extent that I intend to be on the lookout for another Christmas tie for my collection.I also very likely thoroughly annoyed my co-pilot as I hummed or whistled Winter Wonderland (which by the way never specifically mentions Christmas in its lyrics) all week (I had one of those endless mind loops going.) I also enjoy our usual Christmas weather that paints everyones nose red, as well as my memories of Christmases past. Our family has managed to avoid much of the drama and family conflicts that color Christmas memories for so many, or at least they managed to avoid me; thus I am left with only pleasant memories.  I guess I can say that I pretty much love everything about Christmas.

I also enjoy the attitude of sharing and giving that comes with Christmas. I appreciate that we are reminded that sharing with others from our abundanceis a major part of this season. This tradition springs from the gifts that the"Wise Men" brought to the baby Jesus, and has been a major part Christmas in many cultures for generations.

I suppose though, that my favorite part of Christmas is that we as Christians celebrate and remember that baby in the manger. We are again reminded that thePrince of Peace, Emmanuel, the Son of the Most High, the Messiah, the Rose of Sharon, the Lamb of God, the Alpha and the Omega humbled himself and came to live among us. This is the "big news" of Christmas, and it is "big news" for us throughout the year because that little baby was, and is, our insurance policy. This is the news that lets us live our lives asa redeemed people, full of hope and confidence for the future. It allows us to put the trials and challenges of our everyday lives in perspective and focus on what is truly important. I am reminded of William Cullen Bryant's contemplation of his own death recorded in his masterpiece Thanantopsis. The teacher of my high school senior year English class, Mrs. Pearle Wiles, required all of her students to memorize the last stanza of Mr. Bryant's classic. To this day it easily comes to mind; the last portion is "sustained and soothed by an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave like one who wraps the drapery of his couch about him, and lies down to pleasant dreams." It is that baby in that stable from long ago who gives us the courage to attempt such a feat. That is truly the gift of Christmas for all of us who flaunt the "wisdom of man" and believe that He is who He said He was.

So have a wonderful Christmas! Whether you are still in school, struggling to pay mortgages or car notes, raising kids, or preparing for retirement in today's uncertain economy, take time to enjoy the season. That baby in the manger is still with us. If we will take the time to listen to Him, He will help us keep it all in perspective, and help us prepare for our future.

Fly/Drive Safely

20 December 2008