When I exercise I watch TV, usually cooking competitions. Last week I had such a bizarre experience with the show I was watching. It was edited all wrong, in every shot. You saw half a person, or not the person talking, or the floor. I almost never saw a shot of the baked good being presented, or all of it.
It was surreal, and yet I couldn’t look away. You knew what was happening from the sound track but not from the visual. Again vaguely and sometimes completely disturbing, but so oddly compelling. When the show was finally over I was relieved! The next episode, things were back to normal. Thank goodness.
As I was processing the whole experience, I realized the holiday season is that way for me. Kind of surreal, not always focused on what matters, rarely showing the full and lovely picture. We are assaulted by advertising, worldly expectations and our own insecurities. What if I say I don’t want to exchange gifts because I have everything I need? What if I say I don’t want to drink alcohol because it is becoming a problem? What if I don’t have the same number of stocking stuffers for each child?
The list goes on, ready to disengage us from the joy and hope and awe of the
season. Don’t let it. Stand firm. Make sure Christmas is about the coming of your Savior, grounded in love. Practice adoration, wonder and the profound generosity of God becoming human. We have been given the greatest gift. Make sure you are enjoying the love sent to you.
Have a Merry and blessed Christmas!