Jesus's Birthday

I've been without hot water in the house for the last four days since our water heater broke. I haven't been able to run the dishwasher or take a hot shower.  I've been boiling water to wash the dishes. Great fun. 
This morning, as I was getting ready for church I started complaining under my breath and then caught myself. I felt like a primadonna. I thought about all the ones living without electricity and running water; the ones without a bed or a fridge; IN THIS COUNTRY. I thought about my homeless friend. He came into the ministry yesterday. His nose was running, he was cold, and so tired. He told me he didn't have much of an appetite. Someone else told me she had just moved into a senior apartment and had nothing. No mattress, pillow, blankets or anything.These are our neighbors, co-workers, and even friends. You might be surprised to know what conditions your co-worker left at home to make it to work. My temporary inconvenience isn't a big deal in the scheme of things and our new water heater was installed earlier tonight.
There is a direction I am moving in with this. I'm going from talking about not having enough in a material sense to not having enough in an emotional sense. Doesn't it seem that this becomes more pronounced as winter comes and the holidays approach? 
The other day I was thinking about Christmas and almost shuddered. There was some snow on the ground and I felt nothing at the sight of it. It felt like I had gone to sleep in early fall and woke up to find that it was the week of Thanksgiving! I was still waiting for another 65 degree sunny day!
Being the analyzer that I am, I started wondering what was bothering me and then it occurred to me. I realized that what I wanted to cower away from was the hijacking of Jesus Christ's birthday by something dark that was only coated with light. I wanted to shrink from the expectation of the 'must do's' and 'supposed to's'; a few bad memories, some fears, the chores, fatigue, and the bright decadence. It all made me TIRED. But, I have to say that when I got into my line of vision the image of our Baby King Jesus with His parents, I could breathe. I wanted to run toward this family. I wanted to take a good long look at my Savior and put my cheek against His. I wanted to get on my knees and bow my head before Him. 
The thing is, for many people this time of year is just plain tough. Not everyone has warm memories of Christmas as a child. Some are facing their first year without someone they love. Others have no money for gifts. There are job losses. Fear. People are alone. They're sick. Facing a crisis. Battling an addiction. Heartbroken over a failing or estranged relationship. Really, we could fill in the blank, couldn't we? Isn't it something how the most wonderful time of the year can truthfully be the worst? Isn't it something how Jesus's birthday can be so painful? I mean, that sentence just doesn't seem to make sense, does it? And, it shouldn't make sense. What is painful is what we've (all) done to Christ's birth. We've made it into the most perfect and plastic joy-robbing festival ever! And, what is behind it is none other than the darkness I spoke of earlier; the darkness coated in light. The liar and thief of the world. The one who encourages us to chase after the wind until we fall down exhausted.
The celebration of Jesus's birth has nothing to do with a new car in the driveway on Christmas morning with a large red bow on it. It's not Kay Jewelers. It's not chestnuts, lights, Santa Claus, fad diets, haircuts, getting drunk, the mall, overeating, heartburn, Black Friday, dinner reservations, maxing out credit cards, miserable relatives, the happiest Christmas card, over tired kids, over tired moms, over tired dads, parties, broke parents and grandparents, cookies, new high heels and a dress; and having the best Christmas lights on the block!  I'm not saying there aren't a few of those that are harmless. I'm just saying that it is NOT Christmas!
A few years ago I spoke at Coffee Break and the women's Christmas Tea about this subject. I encouraged myself and everyone else to insert the words 'Jesus's birthday' in place of the word 'Christmas' for a few days. Please try it. It changes everything. Jesus often does.
The thing is, we do live in this world and there is nothing wrong with decorating, parties, and family Christmas traditions. Our family has them. I want a warm, cozy and decorated house. I love that. But, more and more, I'm thinking less and less. I no longer want to feel pressured into making Jesus's birthday into anything that isn't about Him. I feel convicted about this. 
I believe that the antidote for Christmas stress and even dislike, is Jesus Christ, the one the whole season is supposed to be about to begin with. HE is the answer. It doesn't mean there won't still be sadness or heart break. Jesus said we will have troubles in this world but He also encouraged us to not lose heart because He has overcome the world. Putting Baby King Jesus into our line of vision and pondering His momentous birth costs us nothing. It's free. A poor man can do it just as easily as a rich one. It can be done standing up or from a sick bed. It can be done inside our home or from a cold and dark alley. It can be done through grief stricken tears or sitting on a mountain. An elderly person can catch this vision alongside a two year old. 
Jesus is for everyone, everywhere. We are ALL invited to His birthday party. What gift will you give Him this year? Kindness shown to others is kindness shown to Him. If we want to experience joy this Christmas then we have to be intentional about it. Make it into a prayer and ask the Lord to help you. It'll look differently for each of us but one thing we can do together is kick the plastic, secular hype out the door. It will only serve to hurt us. Let's replace it with the real value and treasure of Jesus's birth. Let's worship Him, trust Him, lean into Him, and do for others. He loves each of you so very much. Simplify. Cut back. Step back. Seek peace. Worship the King. Love Christmas (aka, Jesus's Birthday)!