A Merry Christmas Card

As I sit listening to a song on a Christmas album, that until two weeks ago, I didn't even know existed, several things come to mind regarding this season ( and life in general). First of all, I am well aware of this time of year and that some would say the holiday season is given to states of mind and moods---you know, melodrama,---emotions influenced by giving and receiving, the interruption of busy schedules to slow down and reflect, and the coming together of loved ones---friends and family for close(r)ness---you know, the softer side of life. And I am aware that these days, there is some chat, concern and even clamor over ethical conversation with regard to church and state, political correctness, and the mingling of personal ideals with (or against) business/religious posture. However, inasmuch as this season is called CHRISTmas, I would say it is only appropo to speak of its namesake (clamor or not).

Now, a question comes to mind. What, in general, do most people know about the Christ in Christmas? Well, most people know the story or the gist thereof and maybe even some general facts about his life beyond the manger to the cross(particularly after Mel's (Gibson) movie last year). Certainly, the name is popular---it is definitely the most used and abused name in modern history. In America, we have heard the Christmas story since childhood and know the cross for its significance as a powerful religious icon--- but those were only the beginning and ending. A story is just no good if all you know is the beginning and ending!
There was a life played out between that beginning and ending---just like we do everyday. Most of what we know about His life (notwithstanding the inception of which is so glorified by and during this season), is actually at the end---public ministry. But, he did live 30 years prior to that---like a regualr person---so far as we know---just like us. During this time, however, he was not aimless. He had a goal, a focus---a mission. It was to complete a plan not of his own will. I consider this a stellar example---a message, a guideline and counsel by actions---by one who was so soundly centered and focused that death itself could not sway him from his path.

I am reminded at this year's end of the passing of time and brevity of life. The passing of time and brevity of life. People are here for awhile--not forever--and they are gone. Life should count. Everyday. Now, people want to live and to live better. They want something to live for---something that counts. They want something to show for their labor. They want to show their successsful union with another person by having children (and that has its reward). People want to build businesses, reputations and homes. They want to furnish their homes, and to live and drive in style and comfort. They want to eat well and to eat out. They want to take time off and travel and do something they've never done before and to go somewhere they've never been before. They want to look good and feel good, so they exercise (or not) and watch what they eat (or not) and see the doc to be sure they are doing alright.....So, such is life and such is the energy of life expended. And life is good...As long as the house is air conditioned, food is in the fridge, the lawn is irrigated, the bills are paid and they have relatively good health. Nothing wrong with creature comforts...but what of the person on the inside---the spiritual man.
Now, I am aware that people are concerned, though many may not admit it, with the status of the heart---that is the inner man---who you really are---where you really live and breathe and feel. People do not want to just have lived and died. "Here lies so and so. Born:Then / Died:Whenever. " Here today, gone tomorrow?? Gravestones just don't tell the story and people want their life to tell a story---with thematic emphasis. That's why Paul said to 'redeem the time' and confidently endeavored to 'hold fast the word of life' so that he did not 'run or labor in vain'. The key here is heart exposure. In photography, exposure is the reveal or imprint of light on a particular media. The media is actually bared, displayed and laid open and made vulnerable to the light. So it is with the human spirit (heart)---that's our basic makeup---we are made to be imprinted (with something)...but it takes trust...faith.

I am reminded in this hour that the greatest Power in the universe is on a manhunt. And that is the reason for the virgin birth and the baby in the manger so long ago. That is the reason for that powerful ministry that captivated thousands including the political and religious leadership of that day and the subsequent death and resurrection. Yes, a manhunt! An effort to redeem the world from itself and its enemy. An effort to reconcile things lost, hurting, aimless, distorted and empty to a place, both spiritual and physical, that is pure and safe and fruitful. He's not finished. He never was---only interrupted---but He won't force it. It's by choice---one by one---"whosoever will".....
Now, somewhere there is a newborn just come into this world and tears of joy are shed as new life takes its place while at the same time somewhere there is a funeral procession in progress and tears of sadness and loss are shed as a life has come to an end. Somewhere on this planet, little children are running and jumping, happily shouting to each other after a big dinner while we all know there are still some children who did not eat today and will fall asleep with an emptiness in their middle and question marks in their eyes. Somewhere on our globe, families are together in their homes and planning their next day while at the same time there are families being separated from each other (for whatever reason) and who will never again know father, mother, sister and brother as they once did. All across this vast living canvas we call Earth, He knows and sees it all and He always has---every tide that ebbs, every snow that falls, every flower that blooms, every blade of grass and every bird in flight. How much more then is He willing to share in the lifespan of every human (that allows him to). "God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshipped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things...so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being..." There is only one way a person can have true peace on earth tonight when he lays his head on his pillow.

I am reminded and shown this season of the depth and wisdom of the Spirit of the Ancient of Days and that even with His profundity, though inaccurately regarded by many as seemingly above and beyond our human perception in His supposed complexity, that He is really sympathetic in 'approachability'---that is to say, He can be approached or entreated by all those that release the basic cry of the heart---the heart that is open to call, to ask, to listen, to expose and to yield to the need for His greaterness---innocently---like a babe in arms or even a blind newborn pup looking to his mother for nurture. As simplistic as this is, this is where a lot of people miss it. Yes, pride of the heart and the intellect of the mind can be a deadly combination. Because of this deceptive pride-intellect duo, one can lose in their search for life's greatest reward.

So, what do people know about the Christ in Christmas? Well, it ain't the what you know, or the what you say, or even the what you do that matters...but the who! Do you know the who in Christmas? From what I know, Christ should never be an 'X-out' in Christmas ('Xmas').......or a person's life.
Now, some people may put off reading (or pondering) stuff like this till later if at all. Some people may stop what they are doing to read. Some may have lost track of other things completely until they finished reading. Some may have become aware of an inner stillness while reading it. Whatever the case...follow-up is key. The who in Christmas is really not a seasonal subject, religious endeavor, or even annual celebration.
I am reminded of greatness, depth, and perfection that came to earth to the humble beginnings of a manger babe. And I am reminded of the words from the song that says---"Mary did you know that one day your son would _______"----you fill in the blank. The life back then still lives today---everyday. Jesus said, "unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." Jesus said, "I am the door".......and that door is always open.

Oh yeah, that Christmas album song I mentioned earlier. The song is 'The Altar Boy' from the album A Christmas Portrait by the Carpenters.......a real inpsiring spiritual soul-cutter. (We need that every now and then). It's a song about a simple plea for help...a request for forgiveness and release...a very open and innocent expression of a need for something...something greater...something greater than ourselves...something necessary for completion and wholeness.

So, Christmas is not so much a what or a when or an event... but a who----an all year, ever-present who.

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