'Twas The Fight Before Christmas

Christmas is that most wonderful time of year. The time when our families get together and we remind ourselves of all the reasons why we don’t get together for the rest of the year. It is when the family gathers to sing, “Deck uncle Joe, who is an idiot. Fa la la la la, la, la la la.” It is when we look forward to gathering together and listening to our cousin’s version of “Twas the Fight before Christmas.” It is the time of year when we are grateful that the wine at Trader Joe’s is so cheap.

At Christmas we must make ourselves appear enthusiastic about that tacky sweater, ugly tie, or fifth pair of socks. We are forced to sit at the dinner table repeating to ourselves that we are beautiful people, we are intelligent, and we are decent human beings after Ms. My-Life-Is-Perfect keeps asking us when we are getting married, when are we going to get a real job, or when we are going to make something of ourselves.

How do we keep joy among all the craziness? Some will bring along a friend. You will beg your college roommate to spend Christmas at your house in hopes that your crazy uncle will behave. Others will be giving their spouse an ultimatum. “We are getting a hotel because you know I cannot stay within five miles of your parents,”  they say.

Christmas becomes a time when you have to endure family. A time of fighting, arguing, and whining. A season when old wounds are re-opened and the memory of past hurts are visible. Instead of a season of joy, for some, Christmas becomes a reminder of how broken the world actually is especially our families. How do we bring the joy back? How can we have a Christmas celebration instead of Christmas destruction?

Before Mary got the message from the angel Gabriel that she would give birth to Jesus, Elizabeth was promised a child. Gabriel visited Zechariah, a priest serving in the temple and told him that his wife would give birth to a child. When she was five months pregnant, Gabriel went to Mary and told her that she would have a baby. With such a challenging message and pressure from her village, Mary seeks refuge at the home of her relatives, Elizabeth and Zechariah. As she arrives she is greeted by Elizabeth. We are told that as soon as Elizabeth hears the sound of Mary's voice the child in her womb "leaped for joy" (Luke 1:44). Mary receives a warm and enthusiastic welcome from her family members.

As you welcome family this Christmas season, does anything inside you leap with joy?  Does your family gatherings remind you that you are loved? Do you find yourself as welcoming as Elizabeth when the caravan of cousins arrive?

How can we approach Christmas with joy? First, have an open heart. During the Christmas season, it is easy to feel entitled and become cynical when people don’t act the way we think they should or treat us the way we feel we deserve. Instead keep your heart open. See everything as a gift. The time you spend with family as a gift. Be open to new possibilities.

Secondly, keep an attitude of gratitude. Be grateful that you have a family. Don’t resent the fact that you have a house full of people. Consider yourself blessed that your family wants to gather.

Thirdly, remember the reason we are celebrating. It is not your birthday. We gather to remember the greatest gift of all. Take it as an opportunity to be a blessing. Use the day to love your family by giving of yourself. In doing so, you follow the example of the one who gave Himself for us.

This Christmas choose to be a witness of love, hope, and grace. Let your family see Christ in you. It may be the only way they get the message of the real reason of the season.

How will you keep the joy in Christmas?