Normally at this time of year, I am rummaging through after Christmas sales looking for drastically marked down Christmas decorations… and with most Christmas clearance down to at least 75% off, my Christmas decorations collection typically grows in leap and bounds the week after Christmas. But this year is different… as we prepare to move to Haiti sometime in 2010, we are examining what possessions will make the move with us. We have a price estimate of $1.50 per pound so sadly I’m not sure any my Christmas collections will be making the cut. Except for clothing, everyday practical items, and some sentimental items, we will sale or give everything else away.
Knowing that we will spending the majority of our Christmases in the Caribbean from now on… I wonder how hard it will be to feel in “the Christmas spirit”? The familiar Christmas decorations, tree, and lights might all be long gone. The weather wont be cold and any dreams of a white Christmas will be dashed. On top of that, sharing Christmas with all of our extended family will not be likely.
But knowing all that… I have reexamined what Christmas is all about. While decorations, family, and things like that may symbolize or remind us of Christmases past, all these things are not what Christmas is all about. When all the stuff (lights, trees, gifts, food, family, friends) may be gone, it all comes down to Jesus. Jesus is enough! If we have learned anything from this journey we are on, it’s the undeniable truth that Jesus is always enough. In fact, it may be refreshing be free of distractions that divert our focus from the true meaning of Christmas… Emmanuel (God with us). And if God himself is with us, what else could we possibly need?
PS this picture is of a small nativity set I brought the first year Jake and I were married. I bought it at “dollar general” when even a dollar was hard to come by. Somehow it has held up through the years (even through the toddler years when playing with baby Jesus was quite popular). And if any “Christmasy” things make the cut, this will be it!
2 comments:
Dearest Tiffanie,
Jesus certainly is enough! This may seem like a strange comparison, but when I backpacked the first time, I came to a greater understanding of wants, needs, and essentials.
As we climbed up, down, and over obstacles of the trail for five days, the pack on my back seemed to get heavier and heavier. Our days' end conversations usually included, "How can we make our packs lighter next time? What can we eliminate?"
When we had packed them at home, we were certain that we needed it all, but when I had to haul it on my back 6 hours a day, I began understanding why some hikers cut the ends of their toothbrushes or the length of their packing straps! Every ounce matters!
So, as you sort, evaluate, and eliminate your earthly possessions, remember, "Jesus is enough." (Matt. 6:19-21)
Love you lots.
MH in Nebraska
i love your pictures!
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