Christmas! The mere mention of the word seems to bring a heightened sense of stress. Parties, people, plans and presents. I suppose there are more words to describe the pressure we put on ourselves to experience the "perfect" Christmas.
As I've looked back on my Christmas experiences, the memorable ones are filled with tears and laughter, but mostly laughter. It is the fun things that I like to remember. The elderly choir lady who almost fell getting on the back of the risers for a Christmas Choir Performance and slipped. It looked like she was going to take out half the choir. My friend singing and not being able to see the words because of the spot light in his eyes. There was a lot of mmmmmmmm's and ahhhhhhhhhhs in that song. The recollection of that sight still brings tears of laughter to my eyes. The time when Lou left our house after a choir party and slipped in the snow and fell down in the ditch filled with cold water but didn't come in because he was embarrassed. At 79 you'd think he would have had more sense.
The year my mom died on Dec. 11 brought tears at Christmas. When friends were killed on Christmas eve in southern Ontario, tears flowed.
Tears and Laughter.....what a choice. I want to laugh at what's funny and I want to cry for what makes me sad. Hopefully they are the same things that God feels.
As we journey to Bethlehem and celebrate Christ's birth, enjoy the journey. Don't forget to laugh and enjoy the people God places around you.
And when the times come, weep for the things that matter. You know what they are in your life. Lost people! Lost relationships! Lost Joy! Lost Life!
The angel said, "I bring you good news of great joy."
Choose Joy instead of Anxiety.
Make Joy your theme instead of Stress.
When others frown, smile.
When others rush, pause and consider the One who promised us Peace.
Have a Joy Filled Day! Tears and Laughter included.
Pastor Brian
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