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| 12-24-2016 |
Christmas. The day that most families
are posting photos of smiling kids standing around a pile of
presents. My Facebook feed was full this morning of family
photos. I posted a photo of my own children last night.
But, what about the kids without the
piles of glittering wrapping paper? What about the families who may
have gifts, but no longer have a Daddy (or other relative)? What
about those families separated by military service or a job at a
store that stays open 365 blessed days a year?
As usual, my biggest struggle today is
my own battle with unrealistic expectations. You know, the images in
my head of kids playing with new toys, or sitting around a glorious,
pinterest-worthy feast? Everyone is smiling. No one holds a grudge.
No one breaks out into argument because “she got more mashed
potatoes than I did.” We are all guilty of these expectations in
some way or another.
What do we do when reality strikes?
There are no presents, or there is no feast, or the kids continue to
act as they do every other day of the year? Shining new gadgets and
toys may forestall the naughtiness for a time. But, by the end of the
day reality will come pouring down on us. Either your husband will
start talking politics with Uncle George, or the kids will eat too
much sugar and come crashing down in a tumult of blood sugar-spiked
tears. Or, the toddler will take the baby's new toy . . . and break
it. What then?
I am writing this now, to answer
that question for myself. What is Christmas really? It's not just a
day for glamorous photos in my FB timeline. It's not just about
presents. And, let's face it, kids will be kids – even on
Christmas. So, what should my realistic expectation be for this
Christmas?
Whether,
then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of
God.
I Cor. 10:31
It doesn't
really matter if it's a random Tuesday in February or Christmas Day.
Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God. Whether you are
celebrating His incarnation with feasting and merriment, or sitting
in an apartment fearing that tomorrow you will lose your electricity-
Live for the glory of God.
Easier said than done, to be sure.
But, Christ is
the only Standard by which we can live. Christ is the only Stable, Static Entity in our ever-transitioning lives. CHRIST!
So, whatever you
do -whether you open presents, light candles, eat cake, play with
kids, work at your job, cook a meal, go to school, etc – do it for
the glory of Christ. Because Christ is the only un-changeable in our
lives. Christ never fails.
