When Our Boys Know "He's" Not Christmas, They'll Begin Searching For What Is.
Last night, as our boys made their annual voyage to Santa's lap, I was reminded that believing in Christmas means very different things to me and our children. After studying the picture of their meeting with Mr. Claus last night, it's clear to me their belief in Christmas is still fairly well rooted in him. For now, Christmas is still about the guy that can carry a zillion Playstations and a few thousand bales of Itunes cards in a single bag. All on a sled pulled by a..... well, you know how that story goes.
I'm sure their belief is waning. That's just alright by me. Them no longer believing in Santa will be as hard on me as them no longer believing spinach will make them strong. (The reality is, boys, that slimy green stuff is gross, it has less influence on your muscles than a milkshake, and I have no idea why any parent of yours would try to trick you into eating it). Oh, don't get me wrong, I've happily gone along for the Santa sleigh ride. But the reality is, once our boys realize he's not Christmas, they'll start searching for what exactly is. The words written across the photo above present another idea about Christmas. The words are from one of my favorite modern day Christmas songs - I believe in Christmas, by 33 Miles - and they beautifully depict my personal belief in Christmas. Unlike Santa, who puts on a costume and tries to convince us he's something he's not, these words are dressed in a very real love and compassion. They represent a common hope for each of us. I have a friend who lost a daughter to a drunk driver two years ago. Many days I believe if there's a Santa walking around on this earth, it's her. She's much smaller and turns her nose up at the idea of growing a beard, but boy does she represent Christmas to me. At a time of the year when she could be filled with resentment, overcome with grief, she's constantly talking to me about how she's praying for other people. Just when you're about to wonder how she pulls herself through another day, she'll remind you that God has a grip on us all. It would be easy to look at her and the tragedy that randomly plucked her daughter from this world, with millions of other daughters to choose from, and wonder why. But her, you'll simply hear from her:
So hold me close and let me know
That your love will see me through Cause I believe in Christmas I believe in you.
If you have a moment, listen to the song below. So many of us have lives that Christmas annually fills with joy and countless blessings. But really, Christmas is more about those who have little of either, and how a baby in a manger came to see to it that didn't have to always be the case.
To read previous posts in this Christmas series, click below:
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