Closing of the Year

I read an author recently who, while debunking the argument that Christmas is really a pagan holiday and evil, added the personal observation, “though I wish that we called this time of year the Holiday Season and reserved the word Christmas for the Christ Mass, for the particular Christian ritual the name derives.”

He succeeded in putting into words for me a concept I had been holding to for several years. The ritual of this season: the tree, the lights, the gift giving, and the food. All of this are a part of this season, and make the season for me. And not just me, but similar rituals are celebrated this time of year the world over.

The season wouldn’t be “right” without them.

However, its not Christmas.

Christmas is about humble surroundings, gifts given of sacrifice, and kneeling before an animal feed-trough.

“Christmas is about a baby, born in a stable, who changed the world”.

I’ve not had the best of holidays: I’ve worked through most of it. I’ve not had the money I would like to buy the gifts I’d like to give. I’ve not bothered decorating since I’ve not spent any time in my home. I’ve missed the joy of having my buddy in my life; sharing this time with her. Or with any of my friends; save one, and a single party, its been a fairly lonely Christmas for me.

And there’s been no snow until today.

But, its been a good Christmas.

I had to work projection for our two Christmas Eve services. The service loses much of its meaning when you spend it at attention, waiting for a queue. Even the second time. But I enjoyed fellowship with my church family between the services.

After the service, my family all came home to my folks. I was tired from a day spent with strangers, shopping (I drove my sister around), and just being “on”. I had not had my chance to meet the savior yet, and wanted to just rest. I did not want to participate in my family ritual of opening gifts this evening.

But I was talked into it.

But I forced everyone to listen to the soundtrack from the movie “TOYS”. And I cried to myself while it played.

If I cannot bring you comfort,
then at least I bring you hope.
For nothing is so precious
as the time we have, and so
we all must learn from small misfortunes;
count the blessings that are real,
and give our love to people
at the Closing of the Year.
When it was over, I curled up by the couch, and slowly opened gifts.

By the end of the evening, I was energized by the thoughtfulness of the others.

I don’t remember exactly how the evening proceeded from there. I remember my sister engaging us at length, sharing her thoughts and experiences and relevance to faith. I remember looking up some info on the internet. I remember eating. I remember going to bed. I mostly remember spending the evening in the company of family. What a blessing.

The next morning, over breakfast, we read the nativity from Luke, and then discussed such weighty matters as what gifts we bring to the manger, and the importance of spiritual gifts and how to apply them. It pleases me that my family can pick up a discussion about spiritual matters as easily as other matters; that such things are not foreign in my family. Again, I am blessed