Capturing the Wonder of Christmas

Do you have a fond Christmas childhood memory you cherish and like to think back on? Is there a special family tradition you try to make sure happens? Do your kids wake you up early in eager anticipation on Christmas morning?

We, who still have little people at home, are blessed with extra doses of both wonder and, dare I say, the magic sparkle Christmas morning brings. Many of us work hard to combat the consumerism we see cloying at the heels of Christ-followers this time of year. We battle the busyness, the distractions, the overwhelming pull for our attentions, while at the same time wanting to join in with the festivities that are aplenty. I would suggest, instead of tossing everything out, you prayerfully seek out those things that add to the other-worldly atmosphere Christ’s birth brings.

After all, powerful beings sent from another realm with messages to chosen ones to rise up and do the unthinkable sounds more like the premise to a fantasy novel than real life. A forbidden trek across the countryside? Surprise guests who run through villages telling of an indescribable vision? A celestial body signifying your son’s home and ancient men secreting valuable gifts to you?

Sounds pretty fantastical to me. And that is as it should be.

The beauty of Christ’s birth is the juxtaposition of his place in our lives. The Word made flesh who dwelt among us, clothed in rags of humility, a reference not only to his swaddling but the imperfect human form he took upon himself. The wonder of Christmas is something to be celebrated, to be sought after, to revel in. Let us not scrape away too much of the magic of the season from our children’s lives that they, our hopeful little image-bearers, resemble more of the cynic than the saved.

May we foster the wonder, the other-worldly celebration Christmas is meant to be this year, and remember the miracle of Emmanuel. Christ with us.

Merry Christmas from `Ohana CHOH to yours.