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Global TeamMy best Christmas gift–ever!
Years ago my husband left me at the beginning of November. Being left was sad enough, but when I realized I was going to have to go through all the holidays by myself, it felt like it was too much to bear. I called a friend of mine who is a Christian Science practitioner in tears. She surprised me by saying, “Oh Christmas, it’s either too happy or too sad.” I got the sad part, but too happy? Could Christmas—or anything—be too happy??? But as she went on, I got her point. You can get so caught up in all the preparations—the gift buying and wrapping, the decorating, the cooking, and on and on, that you completely miss what Christmas is really all about. I didn’t think so at first, but that’s worse than missing a husband!
After that phone call, I spent a lot of time appreciating the Christ (and God!). I started to feel more and more content inside. I had my down moments, but I didn’t feel the devastation I’d felt before. In fact, not only did I not miss out on Christmas, it came early!
That feeling of the Christ with me helped me deal with my dad who wasn’t in the mood to celebrate because of some stuff that was going on in his own life. We ended up spending a really nice and peaceful day together. And it helped me enjoy a Christmas party that I’d been dreading. I thought I’d feel even more alone—you know how that sometimes happens when your life isn’t going great and you’re surrounded by happy people—but I felt especially embraced by the love at that event.
I’ve seen quite a few Christmases since that holiday season. Most of them have been fun, some less so. But the gift I got that Christmas—a real live sense of the presence of the Christ—has stuck with me. It’s one of the best gifts I’ve ever received.
That present is under your tree, too. Unwrap it quick! You won’t be sorry. 
By Amy Richmond
Christine Says:
My family and I are already talking about how to simplify Christmas for next year because of just this. It’s hard to focus quietly on the good when you’re in a holiday frenzy.
Judy Osmundson Says:
Remember that saying, don’t throw away the baby with the bathwater? I think that is what we attempt to do when we think Christmas is about getting busy. Truth demands itself. The Christ babe, the light of Truth,is there to embrace all of our needs and to show the blessings therein. That strong presence of the Christ demand is with us daily and feeds us eternal gifts! When we rise to the spiritual truth of each moment, we live in Christ, in the kingdom of heaven, wherein is eternal joy! Thank you, Amy, for sharing with us this blessing!
Lovingly to all this Christmas season!
Pamela Says:
I was just out doing some errands and …whoa!! I came home to a beautiful and unexpected Christmas greeting from a far-away friend and then opened to this blog. I feel so grateful for both these gentle reminders — “Where meekness will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in.” (Hymn 222)
Thanks, Amy!
Love and happy Christmas to all!
Pamela
Ginger Mack Says:
Amy-
Great thought that Christmas is either too happy or too sad. It seems like it is incumbent upon us to somehow make it wonderful or avoid the snarls of having so many folks together, but really it isn’t up to us at all. It is up to God- our job is to “follow the star” of hope and CALM. How naturally everything that was before unsettled and contentious becomes peaceful.
Today, I am praying with the idea from the Bible- “Acquaint now thyself with him and be at peace.” (Job 22:21) Getting acquainted with anyone, especially God, is fun. A measured response or acquaintance with a spiritual focus to the holidays isn’t a punishment. This is the only gift given- we can’t mess it up!
Anonymous Says:
This was awesome!
Sher Says:
I’ve often thought how busy everyone must have been in Bethlehem rushing around, looking for places to sleep, taking care of their families, reacquainting with old friends and meeting new. It must have been quite a noisy time. Yet, the star was in the sky and, I wonder, if anyone in all that busyness ever looked up to see it? Did anyone in the city ever question what it was? Stopping to stand in wonder of the Christ is certainly the message we’re all sharing. Look up today.
Amy Says:
Thanks everyone for each of your comments. I was especially touched by Sher’s because I spent Christmas Eve in Bethlehem this year and it was a madhouse. I’d been clued in by a friend who’d visited Bethlehem before me that the experience might not live up to my expectations, but I thought how could it not??? I mean, I was going to spend Christmas where Christmas began! But it wasn’t the spiritual experience I’d anticipated. I’m sure that it was for some, but I walked away feeling like it was more of a tourist event than anything else. I kind of felt disappointed, but then it made me all the more grateful that we don’t need to be where Jesus was born to experience a meaningful Christmas, we don’t need to be in a church, or with family and friends. We can celebrate whenever we open our hearts to the ever present Christ. Now that’s something to celebrate!