The season is here once again. December made its entrance and along with it came the hustle and bustle. People are everywhere running around shopping. It seems to me this business used to start mid December and feels early this year. Maybe not.
The store where I work is already so busy with shoppers that it’s hard to get the regular every day duties done. I witness first hand the scramble of people trying to find gifts for everyone in their list. Believe me, at times I shake my head (internally of course) at the items I sell when some poor fellow is desperate for a gift.
My other job is working with preschoolers and we are busy there as well. We practice singing away in a manger with little actions. We are going to sing it for all the mommies on our Christmas program.
At home it’s busy too. I think moms are always busy anyway but especially now. Kids have school events and birthday parties. Apparently lots of us had babies in December!
We decided at our house this year that there is going to be some down sizing with shopping and presents. Each year we over do it. The wish lists this year had to consist of ‘smalls’. Our kids have everything they really need. As children Peter and I always got what we most wished for at Christmas and I’ve tried to do that for my kids too.
For me the best part is the tree and other reminders of childhood. Reminders of what Christmas truly is. This year it’s the small things that make me smile. A Santa holding a little train for example. Jesse loved Santa! Jesse loved trains too. So as many impulse shoppers I now have that Santa on my shelf at home. Because Jesse loved Santa I now love the Santa on my shelf. Each time I look at him I think of Jesse and smile.
Christmas is about hope and joy. It’s sad that we have to celebrate this wonderful time without Jesse but the hope is that one day we will all celebrate Christmas together in heaven.
I can’t even imagine the glorious beauty when Jesse shows me heaven’s Christmas trees! There will be no need for Santa on my shelf or the little train ornament because Jesse will be right there.
Until such a time lets remember to slow down and take the time to look at the decorations and smile at strangers. Take time to listen to carols and look for joy in the small things. The greatest gift is love.
In the spirit of the season I say to you as Jesse would say, “Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas everyone!”
©Lisa Bueckert 2012
American Christian Fiction Writers Association
your post reminded me of the love chapter…though i speak…only i thought: though i have a million presents under the tree and don´t have love, i am so very poor. from all i have read of your family i know it will be a season of deep love and sharing and that you will be very rich. my husband and i never trade gifts. it scandalizes, shocks, and i guess some even pity us. but i have experienced many a Christmas in which a lot of money was spent and much cruelty was done. and as i have come to know the Bible better i am certain Jesus wants us to celebrate His birth with much merriment, but not so much in the way of what money can buy. how i would love to have seen that newborn baby boy…
Very well said. Thank you.
My mother loved Christmas more than anything, so the first Christmas without her was on it’s way to sadness and grief. Then I received a letter from the grief ministry at my church. It talked about the glories of her first Christmas in heaven. I couldn’t help but feel better. It didn’t stop me from missing her greatly though.
It’s wonderful to think of Christmas in heaven😊