Merry Christmas
She was five, sure of the facts, and
recited them with slow solemnity,
convinced every word was revelation.
She said, "They were so poor they had only peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to eat.
And they went a long way from home without getting lost.
"The lady rode a donkey, the man walked, and the baby was inside the lady. They had to stay in a stable with an ox and an ass (tee-hee) but
the Three Rich Men found them because a star lighted the roof.
Shepherds came and you could pet the sheep but not feed them.
Then the baby was borned.
"And do you know who he was?"
Her quarter eyes inflated to silver dollars. "The baby.... was God."
And she jumped in the air, whirled round, dove into the sofa, and buried her head under the cushion, which is the only proper response to the Good News of the Incarnation.
When My sister sent me that little story last year, I was so charmed by the little girl's guileless wonder. How jaded we are, that we have lost so much of our awe at God's Amazing Grace.
Too often we think of Christmas as a special time for children,
and it truly is.
But Christmas is so much more than that.
However, that point of view is too often all that remains when the
glorious story of
God's Reconciliation with Man has become reduced
to a tale of a
Baby and a star and gifts, lots and lots of gifts.
The miracle of God's forgiveness which is offered to undeserving Humans is swept aside.
The precious customs may become empty rituals,
and the focus of the celebration moves from the creator to
Me, or, more precisely: 'What did you get me?'
You have seen the words 'Jesus is the reason for the Season'
on cards and stickers.
Yes it's a cute, glib slogan. Maybe it is time to return the focus of
attention to
Our Wonderful Lord and His Mercy.
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;
he is Christ the Lord.Luke 2:11
Email: upsgirl@earthling.net
