We often hear that “Christmas is for kids.” We cherish images of toddlers entranced by twinkling tree lights and enjoy watching little ones rip open bright-colored packages. At this most sentimental time of year, we hear songs about mommy kissing Santa Claus and read about Tiny Tim. Children are at the heart of our secular holiday.
And yet, I maintain that the holy day of Christmas is for adults, world-weary, cynical, sad adults. We crave the great joy proclaimed, especially during this sad, troubling year. In trying to find some sense of normalcy and comfort, my friends and I are decorating earlier than usual, agreeing that “We need a little Christmas, right this very minute.” However, while putting up our boughs of holly, we are preoccupied with concerns right now. Can we invite extended family to our houses on Christmas Day? How can we care for vulnerable little ones while unemployed? Can we afford gifts?
A young pregnant woman struggled with worrisome thoughts 2000 years ago. After an exhausting journey, she and her husband were desperate for shelter. They were turned away until finally finding refuge in a cave.
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” While no extended family showed up, the baby was greeted by shepherds, strangers who knew the child was destined for greatness. Angels sang, and a star in the sky shone far brighter than any tree lights.
There were gifts, too. Three more strangers came to greet that family in the cave, carrying treasures more exotic than anything on Amazon.
And when our Emmanuel grew into adulthood, experiencing everything that maturity brings, He reminded us to be of good cheer, to be unafraid, to know we are loved, greatly loved. And He promised us eternal life if we but followed in His love.
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who lived in a land of gloom, a light has shone.” That light has sustained us through 2020’s pandemic, recession, political strife, and unrest. It shines on, and the darkness has not overcome it. Light will always overcome darkness.
Christmas is a gift of a child made present to adults. Those of us who are labor and are heavily burdened have the greatest of reasons to rejoice, this year and always.