Monday, December 22, 2008

Another Christmas Thought

"Help each one of us to keep Christmas alive in our hearts, that it may continue to glow, to shed its warmth, to speak its message during the bleak days of winter."
Peter Marshall

This prayer spoke right into my heart when I read it. I cannot imagine how many times I have become frustrated with the commercialism and busy-ness of Christmas. I am sure that I cannot remember how many times I have been called a Scrooge, or been accused of being "grinchy." Christmas seems to do that to me.

First of all, Christmas comes at the wrong time of year in the northern hemisphere. It is hard to be happy and joyous when you are cold, all the time. I could be much more jolly if it were warmer out doors.

Secondly, the days are too short. When I get up in the morning, it is dark. When I am finished at work, it is dark. And in my neighborhood when it is not dark it is often gloomy, overcast or snowing. (It seems to snow everyday.) I need some sunshine. Now!

Third, there are just too many things to do. There are too many responsibilities, parties, concerts, church events. It is too much. By the time Christmas comes I am very tired.

But then Peter Marshall prays that we would keep Christmas alive. I am all for that. I will do what I can. I will be less scroogy and grinchy and a little more linusy. How about that?

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