Christmas
is about celebrating the birth of Jesus, but somehow we have tangled in there
other expectations. If we kept the true meaning of Christmas
at the center of our minds, we would not have any unrealistic expectations.
But, we all do it, create in our minds the “perfect little Christmas.” Perhaps,
we watch too many sappy Lifetime or Hallmark channel movies and begin
fantasizing about having that awesome family or that spouse we have dreamed of.
Every year at Christmas, I fall into the same trap of wanting everything to
finally be right with my family, my child, and the list goes on and on. I want
my home to be decorated with the most amazing lights and have homemade baked
goods for all my neighbors. I want my family to be together and to get along. I
want a normal family, you know the ones that are portrayed in those Norman
Rockwell paintings. I want to be able to entertain and hosts all of my family
without getting tired or frustrated with them. You get the picture, right?
But, you see I have my expectations for Christmas all
wrong. I will always be disappointed at Christmas time if my hope is in the “perfect
little Christmas” I see in the movies. Jesus was born in a stable, a messy stable
with wild animals. Joseph and Mary could not even find somewhere to stay a
night over. They had to travel long and far just to find a stable for Mary to
give birth! I cannot imagine there being a huge Christmas dinner prepared for
them when they got there, or even a hot shower to take. I am sure if I can
imagine the stable they stayed in was probably dirty, smelly, and
uncomfortable. I do not think Mary was the least bit concerned about having a
perfect little Christmas, she was most concerned about bringing the Savior into
the world. There were no Christmas lights, Christmas trees, or wrapped gifts
under the tree, but somehow we believe this makes Christmas! What makes Christmas, is not any of these
things or even our expectations for our families; but rejoicing in the birth of
our Savior.
I believe many have forgotten what Christmas is really
about. It is not about Santa, decorating with lights, or even gift buying.
These things can be fun and can be included in Christmas, but when they become the
main focus we are missing the purpose and meaning of Christmas. Christmas is
not even about eating a big Christmas spread with your family. Anything other
than celebrating the true meaning of Christmas will leave you disappointed and
feeling unfulfilled.
Get rid of all your expectations for Christmas, the
perfect family meal or gathering, making sure you give the best gifts, or
having a spouse or children to celebrate with. Let us not buy into the false
belief that people and things make Christmas. Jesus Christ’s birth makes
Christmas, and if we are believers in Christ, then Christmas should be the most
wonderful time for us. It is a celebration that God came into the world in
human form so that we may know God’s love and plan for us. Do not be misled
into believing that Christmas is about anything else.
For
to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon
His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
Do
you have any unrealistic expectations for Christmas? If so, what are they? How
can you get back to keeping the true meaning of Christmas?
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