Saturday, November 20, 2010

A Cup of Christmas Apathy

As the beginning of the Christmas holidays are inaugurated by the decorations at any given retail establishment, I find my Christmas spirit lacking the luster of so many other years. I can't remember a time when I've felt so apathetic toward holiday preparations. I'm not sure why I feel this way; perhaps it is being so far away from home and knowing that I won't be there with my family for the first time in my life. Perhaps it's the weight of so much school work still ahead of me that's grinding off the sparkle. I think that much of it has to do with the conviction of meaning. I think that I'm struggling to balance tinsel and trappings with a King who set aside his kingdom to be born in barn to save us from sin. I say balance because I think that presents and festivities are important parts of holidays; when God institutes a festival, He goes all out and often the people party for a week! But I also think that our traditions require evaluation and scrutiny if they are to remain holy unto the Lord. Why do we do what we do? I think that we need to ask this question and be prepared to trim the trimmings that take away from our worship of God. What this looks like in my own life I haven't figured out yet, but I will ponder as I wander through the advent of our Lord.

3 comments:

  1. I was away from home last year on Christmas day and that SUCKED!! I still got to be home for part of the Christmas season, so I don't entirely know how you're feeling and we're for sure going to miss you!!! I love you lots and Lots!!!

    As for the Christmas blues... have you decorated yet? Maybe just put out your Nativity in a very prominent location! Drink a Christmasy tea, or have a hot chocolate with all the trimmings (don't count calories). Put on some music... maybe David Phelp's Christmas CD called Joy, Joy and sing at the top of your lungs...or sit and soak in the words..... hope you can make your new home full of wonderful new Christmas memories!!

    Do you and Michael have your own Christmas traditions yet?

    Did I tell you that I love you? Cuz I do!

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  2. Very eloquently put Dana. I too struggle to reconcile the rampant commercialism that surrounds us at every turn at this time of the year and the great lacking of Christ in so many peoples' Christmases with the purpose of the festival: to celebrate the Word made flesh, our King is born!! I think that you've asked all the right questions, especially when you challenge your readers "Why do we do what we do? I think that we need to ask this question and be prepared to trim the trimmings that take away from our worship of God." To borrow another quote "Come back to the heart of worship. It's all about You Jesus..." (Matt Redman).
    Additionally, I think that stress adds to the sense of detachment and despondancy. I pray that once your Dec 15th deadlines have passed that you will find the joy of the Christ-child is once again filling your heart!
    Hugs and blessings, Lynda

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